Although his OBP saw a slight dip from last season, Ward’s eye improved a decent amount overall. His 11.3% walk rate was the highest mark he’s posted in a full season, and his chase rate remained above the 90th percentile. Ward’s wOBA and whiff rate also took a noticeable step forward.
Ward’s batted ball data was very solid, which isn’t surprising given the power he showcased this season. His barrel rate shot up to 13.7%, the best mark of his eight-year career. He also reached a max exit velocity of 111 mph, a number he hasn’t touched since 2023.
To put in perspective just how impressive Ward’s 2025 season was, he routinely ranked near the top of the sport in his counting stats. His 36 home runs tied him for the 10th most in the sport, and Ward was also one of only 63 qualified players to post a wRC+ above 115.
Ward couldn’t have had such a successful season without his success against four-seam fastballs. He registered an xSLG over .600 against the pitch while also posting a hard-hit rate near 60%. It helps that he saw four-seams nearly 30% of the time, meaning he had plenty of opportunities to do damage.
Overall, Ward couldn’t have asked for a better season offensively. Thanks to his power surge, he soared from a solid middle-of-the-order bat to one of the best power hitters in the sport, showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Why the Pirates Would Benefit From Ward
Now that we’ve taken a closer look at the tremendous season Ward just had at the plate, it’s time to dive into why he’d be such a valuable asset for the Pirates. His offensive abilities could immediately strengthen their lineup, providing much-needed consistency to the order.