MLB: Cubs linked to trade for NL rival slugger who just bashed 36 home runs

The Chicago Cubs‘ offense has not been much of an issue this season, as they rank third in runs scored, fourth in batting average and fourth in OPS thus far in 2026. However, they should always be open to improvements, both for now and the future.

Say what you want about Jed Hoyer, but he has certainly made some shrewd deals over the years to put together what is now one of the best teams in baseball, and while he was unfortunately gun shy at last year’s trade deadline, that doesn’t necessarily mean he will stand pat this season.

With the Cubs having so many key players preparing to hit free agency after the campaign concludes, Hoyer may want to begin making preparations for 2027 as well as attempting to bolster his roster for a World Series run this year.

The good news is Hoyer can do both things simultaneously, and Jordan Campbell of Cubbies Crib has pitched a rather intriguing potential trade target in that regard: Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Ryan Ward.

Could the Chicago Cubs pull off a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers?

Campbell hearkened back to the Cubs’ January 2024 trade with the Dodgers, when they acquired first baseman Michael Busch from Los Angeles in exchange for prospects Jackson Ferris and Zyhir Hope.

Busch has ultimately developed into a critical cog in Chicago’s lineup, having smashed 34 home runs to go along with an .866 OPS in 2025. He has gotten off to a slow start this season, but lately, he appears to be coming out of it.

Ward could comprise a similar option for the Cubbies.

“There certainly would be some risk involved in this type of deal for the Cubs. It likely would require a prospect with the ceiling of becoming the next top guy in the system (Pedro Ramirez?), but it might be worth it for the Cubs, considering Ramirez is ultimately going to be blocked by the time he’s ready for the major league level,” Campbell wrote. “In other words, the Cubs have a chance to trade an ascending blocked prospect for a blocked prospect who could fill an area of need as soon as next season.”

Over 652 plate appearances with the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate last year, Ward slashed .290/.380/.557 with 36 homers and 122 RBI. He also bashed 34 long balls the year prior. Thus far in 2026, he is slashing .295/.410/.536 with six dingers and 37 RBI in Triple-A. He also made a brief appearance with LA’s big-league club, going 2-for-6 with an RBI in two games before being sent back down.

Now 28 years old, Ward is running out of time to earn a long-term job with the Dodgers, so perhaps the Cubs can swing a deal for him now and potentially use him to replace Seiya Suzuki, who will be hitting the open market next winter and stands to get paid.

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