Outfielder Beats Angels In Arbitration

The Angels haven't finished with a .500 record since 2015. Short of reaching the postseason, getting back to even would be a noble goal for 2024.

So far, so good.

Taylor Ward reportedly beat the Angels in his arbitration hearing Tuesday, bringing the team's record to 1-1 in arbitration hearings this month:

Ward will earn the $4.8 million salary he submitted for the 2024 season, rather than the team’s $4.3 million offer.

Last week, the Angels beat pitcher Jose Suarez in arbitration, saving about $400,000. That was the first arbitration case the team faced in 13 years.

When a team and player cannot reach agreement on a salary, an independent arbitrator must hear arguments from both sides and choose a winner, per the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Generally, players with more than two but less than six years of service time are eligible for salary arbitration.

Ward, 30, was limited to 97 games in 2023 because of facial fractures he suffered when he was hit by a pitch in a July game. He batted .253 with 14 home runs and 47 RBIs. His batting average, on-base percentage (.335) and slugging percentage (.756) all fell compared to his breakout 2022 campaign.

Entering the 2024 season, Ward was the favorite to play one of the two outfield spots beside center fielder Mike Trout.

The Angels' arbitration loss ends a winning streak that had been on hold since 2011, when pitcher Jered Weaver lost his hearing with the club.