Ryan Ward isn't a household name, but the Dodgers just made him worth a look for the Blue Jays.

Los Angeles designated the 28-year-old for assignment, opening a real opportunity for Toronto to snag an under-the-radar power bat from its World Series rival.

His big-league numbers so far aren't eye-catching. He's hitting .218 with a .738 OPS, eight runs, three home runs, and 12 RBIs since debuting with the Dodgers this season.

But the minor-league track record tells a different story entirely.

Selected by Los Angeles in the eighth round of the 2019 draft, Ward has recorded at least 20 home runs and 75 RBIs in every full minor-league season since 2021.

Over the two seasons before this one, he compiled more than 30 home runs and 100 RBIs each year with Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Why his full skill set fits Toronto's needs perfectly

He's not just a slugger, either. Ward has averaged double-digit stolen bases and at least six triples in every season prior to this one, real sneaky speed to go with the power.

Throughout his minor-league career, he's maintained a .263 average with a .342 on-base percentage, a genuinely well-rounded offensive profile.

For a Blue Jays team that's struggled with power production most of this season, that combination of pop and speed from the left side is exactly the kind of upgrade this lineup has needed.

He'd also help address Toronto's outfield power shortage specifically, a spot that's lacked thump for much of the year.

Ward can play first base too, carrying a career .991 fielding percentage across 160 games there.

That defensive flexibility gives Toronto real insurance if another first baseman struggles, without needing a separate roster addition to cover the position.

Toronto has already watched several former players flourish after landing with the Dodgers this season. A waiver claim on Ward would be a chance to return the favor, pulling value the other direction for once.

Whether Toronto actually puts in a claim, or another club beats them to it, is the question worth watching over the next few days.