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Nationals Send Top Prospect Ford to Minors
19 Mar
Summary
- Nationals optioned Harry Ford to Triple-A Rochester on March 18.
- Ford was a key prospect traded from Mariners for Jose Ferrer.
- Mariners traded Ford due to Cal Raleigh's established role.
Washington optioned former Mariners prospect Harry Ford to Triple-A Rochester on March 18, alongside Riley Adams, setting Keibert Ruiz and Drew Millas as the Opening Day catching tandem. This move reignited discussions surrounding the trade that brought Ford to the Nationals. Ford, a former No. 12 overall pick, was the centerpiece of the deal for reliever Jose A. Ferrer.
The Mariners traded Ford not due to diminished value, but because Cal Raleigh cemented his role as their primary catcher. This allowed Seattle to address a critical need for a controllable left-handed bullpen arm. MLB.com highlighted that moving a "face-of-the-future" candidate like Ford demonstrated confidence in Ferrer's profile.
Despite still being a talented prospect, Ford has limited major league experience with only eight appearances. After participating in the World Baseball Classic with Great Britain, he played in just seven spring training games, hitting .214/.353/.286 for Washington. The Nationals opted for regular Triple-A reps, deeming it more beneficial than an immediate Opening Day assignment.
Ford's performance in Triple-A last year was strong, with a .283/.408/.460 line over 97 games, and evaluators still consider him a viable long-term catcher. However, Washington's decision indicates they weren't ready to rush his development, despite an underperforming Keibert Ruiz signed through 2030. This move does not negate Ford's potential career or the Mariners' defensible trade logic.
