Dodgers are learning the Ryan Ward reality that's been right in front of them for years

Anyone who has followed the Los Angeles Dodgers' farm system is aware of the conundrum Ryan Ward has been in. Ward has eclipsed 20-plus home runs in every full season he's played in the Dodgers' system, and yet, LA has been dragging their feet with giving him an extended runway with the big-league club.

That's changed this season with the injury to Teoscar Hernandez, and the Dodgers are learning the reality that's been obvious for quite some time.

Ward is a masher. During his first 31 plate appearances, Ward is slashing .267/.290/.633 with three home runs. That's essentially one home run for every 10 plate appearances. This from the same player who had 156 home runs in the Dodgers' system since being drafted in 2019.

With the success that Ward has had this season, it makes one you wonder if this is one of the rare times Andrew Friedman didn't read the room. Over the past year, Friedman and Co. had been obsessed with adding another established outfielder to the Dodgers' starting lineup, and they eventually landed on Kyle Tucker.

For reference, Tucker has five home runs in 275 plate appearances this season. Considering all the talk surrounding his contract with the Dodgers praised LA's creativity, it's quickly looking like it will be a burden for the next four years.

A problem that could have easily been avoided had the Dodgers just done the obvious thing and given Ward a look in the outfield before this season.

Dodgers backed themselves into an awkward Ryan Ward decision

The problem the Dodgers now face is that Ward is their obvious trade chip. Had Hernandez been healthy, perhaps there would have been a path where the veteran outfielder was moved as part of a deal to bolster the Dodgers' rotation at the deadline.

Now, Ward is going to be among the first players that other teams ask about in trade talks. Along those lines, that's the hidden benefit to the 28-year-old's early success. He's proving that his power does play at the major league level. Whether it's the the Detroit Tigers, or another team dangling a starting pitcher, they certainly have caught wind of Ward's power display.

It shouldn't have reached this point; the Dodgers had ample opportunity to fit Ward into their long-term mix. Now, their next move is obvious, Ward is going to be traded by the MLB trade deadline.

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