History of Taylor Ward in Timeline

Joseph Taylor Ward, known as Taylor Ward, is a professional baseball player currently playing as a left fielder for the Los Angeles Angels in Major League Baseball (MLB). His career is focused on his performance and contributions to the Angels team.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

December 12, 1993: Birth in Dayton, Ohio

On December 12, 1993, Joseph Taylor Ward was born in Dayton, Ohio, to Joe and Samantha Ward.

December 14, 1993: Birth of Taylor Ward

On December 14, 1993, Joseph Taylor Ward was born. He would grow up to become a professional baseball player.

2008: Enrolled at Hagerty High School

In 2008, Taylor Ward enrolled at Hagerty High School for his freshman year.

2009: Move to California

In 2009, Taylor Ward's family moved to the Coachella Valley in Southern California, where he enrolled at Shadow Hills High School.

2012: Drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays (Did Not Sign)

In 2012, Taylor Ward was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 31st round of the Major League Baseball draft, but he chose not to sign, opting to attend college instead.

2013: Aaron Judge's first-round selection

In 2013, Aaron Judge was selected in the first round of the MLB draft.

2013: Freshman Season at Fresno State

In 2013, Taylor Ward began his freshman season at California State University, Fresno, playing college baseball for the Fresno State Bulldogs.

2014: All-Mountain West second team selection

In 2014, during his sophomore season, Taylor Ward earned two Mountain West Conference Player of the Week selections and was named to the All-Mountain West second team as a catcher.

June 18, 2015: Professional Debut

On June 18, 2015, Taylor Ward made his professional debut with the Orem Owlz, going 0-for-4 against the Ogden Raptors.

2015: Drafted by the Los Angeles Angels

In 2015, Taylor Ward was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the first round of the MLB draft as the 26th overall pick and signed for a $1,670,000 bonus.

2015: All-Mountain West first team selection

In 2015, during his junior season, Taylor Ward was named to the All-Mountain West first team as a catcher and was a finalist for the Johnny Bench Award.

2016: Angels Spring Training and AFL All-Star

In 2016, Taylor Ward participated in Angels spring training and was later selected as an Arizona Fall League (AFL) All-Star, also being named an Angels Organization All-Star.

2017: Training under Trent Woodward

In 2017, Taylor Ward began training with Trent Woodward, focusing on a system using multiple swing styles to enhance results. This approach involved holding the bat at a 90-degree angle and matching the pitch angle with an uppercut.

2017: Promotion to Double-A

In 2017, Taylor Ward was promoted to the Double-A Mobile BayBears and was named an Angels Organization All-Star for the second straight season.

August 14, 2018: MLB Debut

On August 14, 2018, Taylor Ward was called up to the majors and made his MLB debut against the San Diego Padres, recording an RBI double in his first plate appearance.

2018: MLB.com prospect grading

In 2018, MLB.com assessed Taylor Ward as a prospect, assigning grades on a scale of 20–80. He received a 50 for hitting, 40 for power, 40 for running, 65 for arm strength, 50 for fielding, and 50 overall, highlighting his plate discipline and advanced approach.

2018: MLB Debut

In 2018, Taylor Ward made his MLB debut after spending four seasons in the Angels farm system and converting to a third baseman.

2018: Conversion to Third Baseman

In 2018, the Angels converted Taylor Ward from catcher to third baseman, and he was named a Southern League mid-season All-Star and an Angels Organization All-Star.

2019: Conversion to Left Fielder

In 2019, Taylor Ward was converted to play left fielder during a minor league stint in May. He also had his longest stint with the major league club in September to replace an injured Justin Upton.

2020: COVID-19 Shortened Season

In 2020, Taylor Ward began the COVID-19-shortened season with the major league club, playing left and right field, and was later optioned to the alternate training site before being recalled.

2021: Criticism from Joe Maddon

In 2021, Angels manager Joe Maddon criticized Taylor Ward's training approach, suggesting that an overemphasis on contact angle was decreasing Ward's productivity. Ward defended the system, noting that Maddon was not fully aware of all aspects of it at the time.

2021: First Career Grand Slam

In 2021, Taylor Ward joined the major league club in May and hit his first career grand slam on June 17 against the Detroit Tigers.

2022: Breakout Season

In 2022, Taylor Ward had a breakout season, becoming the Angels' primary right fielder and leading qualified batters with a .281 batting average and a .360 OBP.

2022: Return from Injury and Player of the Week Award

In 2022, Taylor Ward made his season debut on April 16 after recovering from a groin injury and was later named the American League Player of the Week for April 25 – May 1.

January 13, 2023: Signed Contract with the Angels

On January 13, 2023, Taylor Ward signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Angels, avoiding salary arbitration.

July 28, 2023: Injured During Game

During a game on July 28, 2023, Taylor Ward took a pitch to the head, suffering multiple facial fractures, ending his season.

2023: Moved to Left Field

In 2023, Taylor Ward transitioned to playing left field for the Los Angeles Angels.

2024: Recovery from injury and return to play

In 2024, Taylor Ward recovered from his injury and began playing again, using a batting helmet with an extended flap for facial protection. Due to team changes, he became a key run-producer, leading the Angels in runs batted in through late May.

March 26, 2025: American League Player of the Week Award

On March 26, 2025, Taylor Ward was honored with the American League Player of the Week award for May 19–25. During this period, he achieved a batting average of .407 with 9 runs, 3 home runs, 12 RBI, and an OPS of 1.382.

May 12, 2025: Go-ahead grand slam

On May 12, 2025, Taylor Ward hit a go-ahead grand slam in the ninth inning against Padres closer Robert Suárez, contributing to a 9–5 Angels victory at Petco Park.