Dodgers' Ryan Ward Ready to 'Kick the Door Down' to Majors

Top Dodgers prospect looks to break through after dominant Triple-A season

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Top Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Ryan Ward is in his fourth spring training with the team, but after a dominant year in Triple-A last season, he's hoping to fully break through to the majors. Ward, an outfielder, played for the Oklahoma City Comets last year, leading the Pacific Coast League in home runs, RBIs and total bases. He was named the league's MVP and added to the Dodgers' 40-man roster in November.

Why it matters

With the Dodgers' outfield picture crowded, Ward is looking to seize his opportunity and cement a spot on the major league roster. His strong performance in the minors last season has put him in position to potentially replace departing free agent Michael Conforto or provide depth behind the team's new big-ticket signing, Kyle Tucker.

The details

Ward has been in the Dodgers' organization for seven years, and he was facing an expiring contract that left him uncertain about his future with the team. However, the Dodgers' decision to add him to the 40-man roster has given Ward renewed optimism about his chances of making the big-league club. The 28-year-old is determined to 'kick the door down' and earn his first MLB call-up this spring.

  • Ward is in his fourth spring training with the Dodgers.
  • Ward led the Pacific Coast League in home runs (36), RBIs (122) and total bases (315) last season.
  • Ward was named the Pacific Coast League MVP in 2025.
  • The Dodgers added Ward to their 40-man roster in November 2025.

The players

Ryan Ward

A top prospect in the Los Angeles Dodgers' organization, Ward is an outfielder who had a dominant season in Triple-A last year, leading the Pacific Coast League in several offensive categories.

Michael Conforto

A free agent who previously played for the Dodgers, Conforto's departure has created an opportunity for Ward to potentially earn a spot on the major league roster.

Kyle Tucker

The Dodgers' new big-ticket signing in the outfield, Tucker's presence has added to the competition for playing time that Ward is facing.

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What they’re saying

“I've been here for seven years, this will be my eighth year. It was starting to get real, like, is it gonna be staying here or going to free agency? So when they called me, and being able to stay here and be with this organization and all the people here, it was really exciting.”

— Ryan Ward (MLB.com)

“To me it's like, 'Okay, you're going to get your opportunity, you better be ready.' So [I'm] really taking advantage of all this time and getting myself into the best spot possible to earn that opportunity.”

— Ryan Ward (Dodgers Nation)

“I love the sport, I appreciate it more than anything. But I'm trying to control what I can control … keep your feet where they are, focus on what's at hand.”

— Ryan Ward (Dodgers Nation)

What’s next

Ward will look to continue his strong performance in spring training as he aims to earn a spot on the Dodgers' major league roster for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Ryan Ward's dominant 2025 season in Triple-A has put him in position to potentially break through to the majors with the Dodgers this year. Despite the crowded outfield picture, Ward's determination and focus on controlling what he can control have him poised to seize his opportunity and cement a spot on the big-league club.