The Los Angeles Dodgers currently have a full 40-man roster, and they’ll need to clear a spot once the Kyle Tucker signing becomes official.
Designating a player for assignment would fix that issue, but there are no obvious choices for that. Michael Siani could be the odd man out, but he was added as an elite defensive center fielder and provides that skill no one else on the team does.
The Dodgers could also look to the trade market to clear some space on their 40-man roster. Two options who could be on the move are Ryan Ward and Bobby Miller, who are both players the team would consider trading, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
The Dodgers, however, are more likely to explore deals for outfielder Ryan Ward, a career minor leaguer who last season was MVP of the Pacific Coast League at 28; or right-hander Bobby Miller, who has been a disappointment.
Both players don’t have a clear role on the team as they are blocked by multiple players ahead of them. Miller is no higher than 10h on the starting pitcher depth chart, if not lower, and their bullpen is crowded as well.
Ward is now blocked by Tucker and Teoscar Hernández in the corner outfield, and Alex Call as the fourth outfielder. Kiké Hernández is also likely to re-sign, adding another player to the mix.
The Dodgers also hesitated to use both players during the 2025 season, further signaling how low they are on the depth chart.
Ward was never given an opportunity despite Michael Conforto’s struggles and their injury issues, while Miller only pitched five innings even as the Dodgers were desperate for healthy arms.
Miller should draw interest from teams across the league given his 2023 season and elite pitch characteristics. Many will view him as a fresh start bounce-back candidate.
Ward will likely be less popular given his status as a career Minor Leaguer and questions about how his bat will play at the Major League level. Still, one team should be interested in giving him a chance for the potential of cheap offense.
Dodgers moving Teoscar Hernández to left field
Hernández has been on the trade block this offseason, but after signing Tucker, the Dodgers plan to keep Hernández and move him to left field. Hernández played left field his first season with the Dodgers before moving to right field in 2025.
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