Recently, the Los Angeles Dodgers designated power-hitting outfielder Ryan Ward for assignment. Now, after designating Ward for assignment, the Dodgers have made a surprising move with the 28-year-old. According to The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya, the Dodgers have sold Ward to the Chunichi Dragons of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan.
With this news, Ward will be heading to Japan to continue his career. It certainly seemed possible that another MLB team would claim him off waivers because of the success he has had in the minors. Yet, he will instead be joining the Dragons.
Ward appeared in his first 20 career MLB games this season with the Dodgers, where he recorded three home runs, four doubles, 12 RBI, and a .218 batting average. He also had 18 home runs, 82 RBI, and a .249 batting average in 106 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City this season. During the 2025 season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, Ward recorded an impressive 36 home runs and 122 RBI in 143 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
He also hit 34 home runs in the minors during the 2024 season, so he has shown promise. It will now be interesting to see what Ward can do on the Dragons from here. If he performs well, perhaps it could open the door for him to make it back to the majors in the future.
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