2026 MLB Free Agent Signings, Trades: Orioles Acquire Taylor Ward

ESPN has secured the MLB.tv out-of-market package, while Netflix has acquired rights to the Home Run Derby and key games. NBC will take over the Sunday Night Baseball schedule. This development follows ESPN's earlier decision to opt out of its rights deal with Major League Baseball, which seemed to signal a potential split between the two parties.

Major League Baseball (MLB) has secured new three-year media agreements with ESPN, NBC, and Netflix, which will extend through the 2028 season. Fox will continue to broadcast the World Series and other key events. This deal marks a significant shift in MLB's media landscape, enhancing its partnerships with major networks.

The Dallas Cowboys' defense has shown significant improvement, moving up three tiers in the Week 12 rankings of NFL defensive units. This enhancement highlights the team's evolving performance as they continue to compete in the league.

The Los Angeles Angels traded outfielder Taylor Ward to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for pitcher Grayson Rodriguez. This significant move marks a pivotal moment for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming MLB season. Baseball America reported that Angels' general manager Perry Minasian provided an update on Rodriguez, indicating optimism about his potential impact on the team's pitching rotation.

The Baltimore Orioles have traded starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for outfielder Taylor Ward. This trade is part of the Orioles' strategy to enhance their starting rotation ahead of the upcoming MLB season, as they were already planning to make changes through free agency or trades.

MLB is reportedly set to announce new short-term rights deals with ESPN, NBC, and Netflix, with details emerging about the agreements. A key aspect involves the out-of-market package, MLB.tv, which will be available on both the ESPN app and MLB platforms. This move is expected to enhance accessibility for fans seeking to watch games outside their local markets.

Japanese baseball superstar Tatsuya Imai is generating significant interest in the MLB Free Agency cycle, with projections indicating his contract could reach $154 million after being posted. Teams are drawn to his impressive velocity and potential for immediate impact, highlighting his frontline profile built on power and deception.

The Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Angels executed a significant trade, with the Orioles sending starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez to the Angels in exchange for outfielder Taylor Ward. This one-for-one swap marks the first major trade of the offseason and could impact the Orioles' strategy in free agency while potentially setting the stage for a rebound season.