3 Dodgers prospects that could make unexpected impact in spring training

2. Ryan Ward

The Dodgers cast a wide net this offseason to recruit outfield help, but some might say the picture remains underwhelming. Mookie Betts is in right, and then there's a combination of Chris Taylor, Trayce Thompson, David Peralta and James Outman in the other two spots/on the bench.

Ward might not be ready for MLB action come March 30 ... but what about in the middle of the season if he rakes at Triple-A? You have to assume he'll start 2023 there after he hit .255 with an .805 OPS, 62 runs scored, 28 homers and 78 RBI in 116 Double-A games in 2022. That came after he excelled at High-A Great Lakes the year prior.

Primarily a left fielder, Ward's defense could use some refinement since he's not exactly graded highly on his athleticism, arm strength and speed. But he's a left-handed power bat and he started improving upon his struggles by hitting left-handed pitching a lot better in 2022.

He's trending in the right direction, that's all we're saying. And power always makes headlines, don't forget that.