Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Ryan Ward says he’s ready for whatever opportunity is afforded to him in the upcoming Major League Baseball season.
Ward appeared on Dodgers Dougout Live with Doug McKain and discussed his record-setting season with the Oklahoma City Comets which culminated in being added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster this past November.
Ward led the Pacific Coast League in home runs (36), RBIs (122) and total bases (315) for the Comets, ultimately being named the league’s Most Valuable Player and becoming a darling of diehard Dodgers fans, especially as other outfielders on the main roster struggled notably behind the plate.
“I don’t know if you’re aware of this, but you’re almost this mythical figure now in the Dodgers’ minor league system,” McKain joked with the 27-year-old Massachusetts native. “The fan support for you because of how successful you’ve been [in the minors] … are you aware of just of how popular you were among Dodger fans?”
He said he was aware of his status among Dodgers fans, but said he didn’t let it get to his head and instead stayed focused on trying to “kick the door down.”
“I love the sport, I appreciate it more than anything,” he said. “But I’m trying to control what I can control … keep your feet where they are, focus on what’s at hand.”
Dodgers’ First-Class Minor League Culture
Ward said the ego-free culture in Oklahoma City, where he raked for three seasons while awaiting a call-up to the Bigs, helped keep him grounded and motivated despite racking up the accolades.
“People all in minor leagues are asking themselves, like, ‘What else do I have to do to get back up there, or get up there for the first time?’” he said. “I think it’s a really good sort of culture to kind of get rid of all that mindset of ‘I’m angry, I’m frustrated’ … The Dodgers do a great job of always putting together great guys and having great teams.”
Oklahoma City’s Ryan Ward throws to first for an out during the minor league baseball game between the Oklahoma City Comets and the Tacoma Rainers a the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, April, 16, 2025. (Sarah Phipps/USA Today Network)
Ward was slowed by injuries early on his career, and he’s still waiting for his first Major League Hit. But he says offseason tweaks and plate discipline helped him make his case for meaningful playing time in 2026.
“I made a huge commitment to lowering my Chase, getting myself into better counts, seeing more pitches and really hunting one zone while learning to do more homework on pitchers,” Ward said. “That’s something that’s been a struggle of mine is chase, strikeout rate, not really walking. So last year, taking that really to heart and committing myself to it, I got myself into better counts, which obviously leads to more damage because you’re probably going to get something better to hit.”
Ward played multiple roles for the Comets, primarily outfield while also platooning occasionally at first base. He pictures himself an outfielder at the Major League-level, and says he’s only beginning to scratch the surface of his defensive potential.
“When I first came to the Dodgers, I had about a year of outfield under my belt total. So it was one the big things that I still focus on today,” Ward said. “It’s something that I put a ton of work into … so from where I was to where I am now is an incredible jump.”
Ward Controls His Own Destiny
Ward will have ample opportunity to prove himself when Spring Training kicks off next month at Camelback Ranch. Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes said they’ll give him his chance to make his case. Despite the vote of confidence from the front office, he says he’s only more motivated to show out in Arizona.
“To me it’s like, ‘Okay, you’re going to get your opportunity, you better be ready.’ So really taking advantage of all this time and getting myself into the best spot possible to earn that opportunity,” Ward said.
Ward’s best chance at cracking the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster comes in the outfield with one of three positions considered an open competition barring a blockbuster trade or another free agency mega-move. As of Jan. 14, Ward is one of only four outfielders on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster, and he’s been floated as a possible “stopgap option.”
If he’s able to bring his bat with him to Chavez Ravine, Dodgers fan may finally get the opportunity to see if their folk hero lives up to their Herculean expectations.
LA Baseball Report
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