He hit 36 home runs, drove in 122 runs, and won Triple-A MVP.
Yet Ryan Ward is still waiting for his Major League chance.

Dodgers Prospect Ryan Ward Keeps Waiting for His MLB Shot — And Refuses to Lose Focus

In professional baseball, every prospect dreams of the moment when the minor leagues are finally behind them and the big leagues call their name.

For some players, that moment comes quickly.

For others, the wait stretches longer than expected.

And for Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Ryan Ward, the journey has become a test of patience.

Despite putting together one of the most dominant offensive seasons in Triple-A baseball last year, the 28-year-old slugger is still waiting for his opportunity in the majors.

And after another spring roster decision, that wait continues.

A Triple-A Star Still Searching for His Chance

Ward’s résumé at Triple-A Oklahoma City is impossible to ignore.

Over the past three seasons, he has played 402 games at the level, producing some of the most powerful offensive numbers in minor league baseball.

In 2025, Ward delivered the best season of his career:

36 home runs
122 RBIs
.290 batting average
.380 on-base percentage
.557 slugging percentage

Those numbers earned him Pacific Coast League MVP honors, firmly establishing him as one of the most productive hitters outside the Major Leagues.

Yet despite that success, the Dodgers recently optioned Ward back to Triple-A Oklahoma City following their Cactus League game against the Oakland Athletics.

For Ward, the reality remains the same.

The opportunity still hasn’t arrived.

A Roster Packed With Talent

The challenge for Ward isn’t performance.

It’s timing.

The Dodgers currently possess one of the deepest rosters in baseball, particularly in the outfield.

Los Angeles already features several established players competing for playing time, including:

Kyle Tucker (signed to a four-year, $240 million deal)
Teoscar Hernández
Andy Pages
Michael Siani
Tommy Edman
Hyeseong Kim
Kiké Hernández

With that level of depth, breaking into the lineup becomes extremely difficult — even for a hitter coming off an MVP season in Triple-A.

“Ward’s problem is that the Dodgers are just so talented,” said MLB Pipeline analyst Jim Callis. “It’s hard to find a spot for him.”

Callis even suggested Ward might have contributed more than some players who received opportunities last season, but roster construction often leaves limited room for newcomers.

Expanding His Game to Stay Ready

Knowing the competition for roster spots is intense, Ward has begun working on expanding his versatility.

During spring training, the Dodgers asked him to learn additional defensive positions, including first base and both corner outfield spots.

Originally an outfielder in college at Bryant University, Ward also spent time playing second base earlier in his career.

Now he’s willing to play wherever the team needs him.

“I’ve been learning new positions,” Ward explained. “They’ve got me playing the corners and doing a little bit of first base this year. I think versatility helps.”

That flexibility could eventually make him a more attractive option when roster needs change.

The Power That Keeps Scouts Watching

Despite questions about his defensive versatility, one thing about Ward’s game stands out immediately.

His power.

Over the past three seasons at Triple-A, Ward has launched 91 home runs, an eye-catching total that continues to draw attention from scouts.

“Ryan Ward is one of the best older prospects in baseball,” Callis said. “He’s 28, but the power is real.”

While analysts believe he may ultimately project as a platoon hitter rather than a full-time starter, a left-handed bat with that kind of power could still become a valuable piece for a big-league roster.

A Mental Approach Built on Patience

For Ward, the hardest part of the journey isn’t hitting.

It’s waiting.

Seeing other players get opportunities while continuing to prove himself at Triple-A can be frustrating.

But Ward has developed a simple philosophy to manage the pressure.

“Control what you can control,” he says.

Rather than focusing on roster decisions, he concentrates on the next game, the next at-bat, and the next opportunity to perform.

“If I start thinking about all that other stuff,” Ward explained, “my play is just going to go downhill.”

Instead, he keeps his attention where it belongs — on baseball.

Still Waiting… But Still Ready

At 28 years old, Ryan Ward understands that the window for his big-league debut won’t stay open forever.

But his numbers, power, and persistence ensure that his name remains firmly on the radar.

In a sport where injuries, trades, and roster changes can open doors overnight, patience often becomes the final requirement.

For now, Ward will return to Oklahoma City and continue doing what he has done for years.

Hit.

Wait.

And be ready.

Because if the Dodgers eventually call his name, the long road through Triple-A will suddenly have been worth every step.