Chunichi acquires Ryan Ward, 2025 Triple-A MVP

The 28-year-old left-handed hitter brings 168 minor league home runs to Chunichi, SANSPO reported. The Dodgers removed Ward from their 40-man roster this month before announcing his move to Japan.

Ward's minor league record

Ward was selected by Los Angeles in the eighth round of the 2019 draft, 251st overall. In 2025, he led Triple-A in home runs and runs batted in and won the league's Most Valuable Player award, SANSPO reported.

He reached the majors for the first time this season. Ward appeared in 20 games and hit .218 with three home runs and 12 RBIs, the Okinawa Times reported. He did not secure a regular spot with the Dodgers, who had limited room on their major league roster.

Ward's primary position is first base, but he can also play both corner-outfield spots. That gives Chunichi a left-handed bat with defensive options, while his minor league record offers a different profile from his brief major league sample.

Chunichi's 2027 roster plan

Chunichi made the move after 138 games of its current season, with a 59-77 record and fourth place in the standings. The team had already lost its chance to reach the Climax Series, Japan's postseason playoff round, SANSPO reported.

Foreign hitters had produced mixed results. Sanó had 22 home runs and 50 RBIs, second on the team in home runs, while Bosler had eight home runs and 20 RBIs in 88 games. Kaliste had appeared in 11 games.

The Vantelin Dome added its Home Run Wing in 2026, giving Chunichi another reason to consider a roster built around power, SANSPO reported. For Chunichi fans, Ward's arrival pairs a 2025 Triple-A power record with a player who has already reached the majors, though his 20-game debut produced a .218 average.

The Dodgers announced the transfer on Sept. 22, and Chunichi is planning for the 2027 season.