Dodgers Hoping Minor Moves Have Major Impact

Time stops for no one, even if you are the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have just won back-to-back World Series rings. The Dodgers have already been active this offseason, and most think that their recent activity may be a prelude to something much bigger. However, the team’s moves should not be considered insignificant. What are they, and why does it matter?

The Dodgers Have Made Several Minor Moves This Offseason

A Left-Field Fix?

Ryan Ward was added to the 40-man roster… finally. Ward was set to become a free agent this year, and ultimately forced the Dodgers’ hand. The Pacific Coast League Player of the Year led the minor leagues with 36 homers. In addition, he had a batting average of .290, which shows he has the makings of a complete hitter. He had 122 runs batted in, which is the most in the PCL in 15 years, and Ward had the most total bases in the league in almost 25 years.

Given the mediocre offensive production of the Los Angeles corner outfielders, it is a wonder why it took so long to pull the trigger. Ward’s drawback has always been his glove. However, watching Teoscar Hernández and Michael Conforto had Dodger fans holding their breath for most of the year. Los Angeles is near the top of the majors every year with their execution on the field.  However, they were rated in the middle of the pack last year in defensive efficiency. The word is, Ward has improved his glove work. Now, he finally has a chance to prove it.

Off-Limits

The Rule 5 Draft is fast approaching. The Dodgers, who have always been known for their pitching depth, took preventive action. They added left-handed reliever Ronan Kopp. Kopp had a 3.43 ERA between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2025. He had a 14.2 strikeout rate per nine innings. That stat puts him in the 97th percentile in strikeout rate in the minor leagues.

Kopp did have a high walk rate of 6.6 per nine innings. However, the Dodgers have proven they can live with that, given the lethal stuff he possesses. The ability to miss bats with his repertoire gives him the potential to become a high-leverage weapon out of the pen at the big-league level next season. Ironically, the last reliever the Dodgers protected from the Rule 5 draft was Jack Dreyer, who has been a pivotal piece of the relief corps. Los Angeles is hoping history repeats itself.