Ryan Ward’s DFA gives the Blue Jays an opportunity to steal from the Dodgers

Ryan Ward is likely a name that not too many baseball fans are familiar with. But for the Toronto Blue Jays, he may be a player that they will want to start taking notice of after the Los Angeles Dodgers recently designated him for assignment. In fact, Ward’s DFA could give the Blue Jays a prime opportunity to potentially steal an under-the-radar slugger from their World Series nemesis.

Why would Toronto want the services of the 28-year-old who just made his MLB debut with the Dodgers this season? Taking a look at his big league numbers, he's posted a .218 batting average, .738 OPS, along with eight runs scored, three home runs and 12 RBIs. Nothing really eye-popping about those stats. But what the Blue Jays should be aware of is the huge power potential that he possesses.

Ryan Ward’s power potential could end up being a difference maker for whoever claims him

After being selected by the Dodgers in the eighth round of the 2019 MLB Draft, Ward had demonstrated his power throughout his minor league development with Los Angeles. Ward has recorded at least 20 home runs and 75 RBIs in every one of his full minor league seasons since 2021.

More impressively, Ward has compiled greater than 30 home runs and 100 RBIs in each of the past two seasons prior to 2026 playing for the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate Oklahoma City.

As an added bonus, the Worcester, MA native also has some sneaky speed in his repertoire as well. Ward has averaged double digits in stolen bases along with at least six triples in every season prior to 2026. Just for good measure, Ward has maintained a solid .263 average and .342 on-base percentage throughout his time in the minors.

For a team like the Blue Jays who are severely lacking in offensive punch, he is the exact type of player that could significantly bolster their lineup. Not only can Ward add to their power from the left side, he would also solve the Blue Jays’ outfield problem of not having enough power production overall.

The icing on the cake is the fact that Ward can also play first base, posting a career .991 fielding percentage over 160 games. With that insurance, the Blue Jays wouldn’t have to worry as much if another first baseman just so happens to struggle mightily.

As a result, after seeing many former Blue Jays flourish with the Dodgers after leaving Toronto, they are now presented with a chance to return the favour if they can snag Ward from waivers.

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