The Los Angeles Dodgers are less than two weeks removed from becoming back-to-back World Series champions, but the front office is already facing multiple roster questions heading into 2026.
Chief among them is the continued void in left field. The Dodgers faced a similar dilemma last season and attempted to address it by signing Michael Conforto to a one-year, $17 million contract.
Conforto proceeded to have the worst offensive season of his career and is all but guaranteed to not return. Meanwhile, one early indication so far in the offseason is the Dodgers may revisit Steven Kwan trade talks with the Cleveland Guardians.
But another solution the Dodgers reportedly are considering is finding a short-term solution or tapping into some of the organization’s depth, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
They could also just run back what they did with their outfield last winter, seeking a stopgap option or turning to even some internal choices, according to multiple people familiar with the team’s thinking.
If the Dodgers are going to look internally, one conceivable answer could be Ryan Ward. He was recently added onto the Dodgers’ 40-man roster, which is a step forward from this season when Ward seemingly remained an afterthought despite his production with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Alex Call, acquired at the trade deadline this year, could be a factor as well.
Among outfielders available in free agency, the likes of Tommy Pham, Rob Refsnyder and Mike Yastrzemski could be the type of veterans open to a one- or two-year contract with the Dodgers as they look to bridge the gap to prospects Josue De Paula, Zyhir Hope or Mike Sirota.
The Dodgers theoretically could elect to move Teoscar Hernández back to right field, where he played in 2024, and acquire a right fielder. The most obvious option of course being Kyle Tucker, who some general managers believe will choose between signing with the Dodgers, New York Yankees or Toronto Blue Jays.
Are Dodgers hesitant to play Ryan Ward?
As the Dodgers were seeking more production in left field during the season, they added the likes of Esteury Ruiz and Justin Dean to their roster while Ward remained with the Comets.
Ward went on to earn Pacific Coast League MVP honors but there is thought to be some concern with his defense and overall ability to make the jump to the Major League level.
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