When the Dodgers added longtime minor league outfielder and 2025 Pacific Coast League MVP Ryan Ward to the 40-man roster on Nov. 6, it was a shock to fans that were calling for the team to promote him basically all season. Michael Conforto quickly made it very clear the Dodgers couldn't count on him to make an impact, and Ward was crushing the ball in Triple-A. Fans would've much preferred to see the Dodgers give him a shot than continue to watch Conforto flail at the plate.
Ward, an unranked prospect, has clearly presented a bit of a conundrum to the Dodgers for some time now.