Dodgers Outfielder Ryan Ward Moves to Japan’s Chunichi Dragons

The Los Angeles Dodgers designated power-hitting outfielder Ryan Ward for assignment in September to open a roster spot for pitcher Kris Bubic, who had just returned from the injured list. After clearing waivers, Ward’s contract was transferred to the Chunichi Dragons of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

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Reports indicate the Dodgers “sold” Ward to the Dragons, a phrasing that likely reflects a waiver clearance followed by Ward’s acceptance of a contract in Japan. The move sends the 28-year-old to a team that currently sits 59-77 in NPB’s Central League with three regular-season games remaining.

Sports Illustrated

In his first 20 major-league appearances this season, Ward posted three home runs, four doubles, 12 RBIs and a .218 batting average, according to the Dodgers’ season statistics. At Triple-A Oklahoma City, he recorded 18 home runs, 82 RBIs and a .249 average over 106 games in the 2024 campaign. The following year, Ward posted a breakout 2025 season with 36 home runs, 122 RBIs and a .290/.380/.557 slash line in 143 games for the Oklahoma City Comets, earning Pacific Coast League MVP honors. His 2026 Triple-A numbers slipped to a .249/.349/.430 line over 106 games, suggesting a decline from the prior year.

Newsweek

Ward’s departure clears a spot for Bubic and concludes a seven-year tenure with the Dodgers organization, during which he progressed from the 2019 draft to the major-league roster. The move aligns with a broader pattern of MLB players seeking opportunities in Asian leagues, where successful stints have sometimes led to returns to the majors. While it remains uncertain how Ward’s power will translate to NPB competition, a strong performance could revive interest from MLB clubs, mirroring past cases of pitchers and position players who leveraged Japanese experience into renewed major-league contracts.

Sports Illustrated