MLB Rumors: LA Dodgers Slugger Named As A Top Trade Candidate

The Los Angeles Dodgers have had a strong start to the 2026 season, as their 16-8 record effectively demonstrates. Because of this, they should be among baseball's biggest buyers ahead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline. This is especially so when noting that they have made it clear that they are not afraid to make big moves if it means bolstering their roster.

However, if the Dodgers hope to upgrade their group, they will need to give up some of their talent the other way. Because of this, one of their power-hitting infielders has entered the rumor mill.

In a recent article for ESPN, David Schoenfield named Dodgers infielder Ryan Ward as among the top trade candidates in the league to watch this season.

Seeing Ward be named a top trade candidate is not surprising, as the Dodgers' stacked roster has blocked him from being a major-league regular. This remains the case even though he had 36 home runs, 122 RBIs, and a .290 batting average this past season with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He also hit 34 home runs in 2024.

With how well Ward has performed at the Triple-A level, it is very likely that there would be some teams willing to take a chance on the 28-year-old. The potential for him to become an impactful power hitter at the major league level is there, so he could very well end up being a solid trade chip for the Dodgers to dangle this season.