Ryan Ward is a productive AAA power bat in the Dodgers system, but he is currently blocked at the MLB level in Los Angeles by a deep group of established corner outfield and first base options.
His profile is that of a right-handed power hitter with middle-of-the-order potential, making him an appealing target for teams needing immediate offense.
For fantasy purposes, Ward offers near-term impact value, with home run power and RBI production that can play right away if he gets consistent MLB at-bats.
He profiles as a potential short-term difference-maker in deeper leagues and a useful power source in standard formats if given regular playing time.
Here's what it would take for the Pirates to acquire him:
Ryan Ward is currently a near-MLB-ready power bat providing immediate fantasy upside whenever he plays.
With strong 2025 AAA production and a 2026 line of .320 AVG and ~.987 OPS in limited action, he profiles as a corner bat with HR/RBI value and decent batting average support. In fantasy, he is a short-term impact option when given consistent MLB at-bats.
Ryan Ward collects his first MLB hit and RBI, and his family is loving it! pic.twitter.com/MyikZhh8YJ
Patrick Copen is currently dominating Double-A with a 1.23 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and elite strikeout rates. He is a high-priority fantasy stash because of his swing-and-miss profile and strong run prevention. If promoted, he projects as a strikeout-heavy starter with SP2/streaming upside.
Levi Sterling is currently struggling in Single-A with a 7.84 ERA and 1.94 WHIP, though he still shows strong strikeout ability. In fantasy, he is a long-term stash only, offering upside but hurting ratios and lacking present value.
Jeter Martinez is currently inconsistent in Single-A with a 5.40 ERA and 2.28 WHIP, though he shows decent strikeout potential. He is a deep dynasty lottery arm with no current fantasy relevance, relying entirely on future development.
Jeter Martinez tosses a scoreless first & caps it off with the strikeout!#ItAllBeginsInBradenton pic.twitter.com/pbsiOXP9TF
- Bradenton Marauders (@The_Marauders) September 2, 2025
The Pirates make this deal because it gives them both immediate MLB help and future pitching upside.
Ryan Ward provides a ready-to-use power bat for their everyday lineup, adding needed home run and RBI production right away. His AAA track record and 2026 performance make him an immediate upgrade in the middle of the order.
At the same time, Patrick Copen gives them a high-upside pitching prospect for the future, with strikeout ability and Double-A success that could translate into a cost-controlled starter or late-inning arm.
Overall, Pittsburgh makes the move to boost their lineup now with Ward while securing Copen as a potential long-term rotation piece.
And Levi Sterling tosses a strikeout to end the second!#ItAllBeginsInBradenton pic.twitter.com/YDxKTIhTXH
- Bradenton Marauders (@The_Marauders) September 5, 2025
The Dodgers make this trade because they're prioritizing pitching upside and long-term value over an older, MLB-ready bat.