Mariners' Harry Ford: Reassigned to minor-league camp
Rotowire
Ford was reassigned to minor-league camp by the Mariners on Monday.
Ford is an ultra-talented 20-year-old catcher considered by most to be the best prospect in the Mariners' system. He went 2-for-4 with three walks in seven plate appearances during Cactus League play while also slugging a couple home runs for Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic. Ford might not wind up sticking at catcher, but Seattle intends to continue grooming at the position for now.
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Mariners' Harry Ford: Strong first full pro season
Rotowire
Ford appeared in 104 games for Single-A Modesto in 2022 and batted .274/.425/.438 with 11 home runs, 23 steals and an 88:115 BB:K.
The 2021 first-rounder impressed all year with his plate discipline and baserunning, though he did fall a bit short in the power department. Ford started the season cold, hitting just .196 over his first 38 games, but from June 12 through the end of the campaign, he put up a sparkling .320/.459/.530 line. Look for the 19-year-old backstop to open next season with High-A Everett.
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Mariners' Harry Ford: On fire in Single-A
Rotowire
Ford has hit .344/.463/.580 with four homers, eight steals and a 24:37 BB:K across his last 34 games for Single-A Modesto.
He opened the season ice cold, so Ford's season-long line still looks good but not great at .266/.412/.423. Nonetheless, the 19-year-old's recent production is far more reflective of the potential he brings to the table. With growing pop and good speed, Ford offers the promise of a tantalizing fantasy package at the catcher position. He's most likely a few years away, though, with his timeline depending on whether the Mariners remain inclined to keep him behind the plate.
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Mariners' Harry Ford: Drawing walks but not much else
Rotowire
Ford is hitting .215/.414/.308 with a homer and four steals across 18 games this year for Single-A Modesto.
That OBP pops off the page, courtesy of his impressive 23.5 percent walk rate, but Ford is also striking out a lot (27.6 percent). The pop he showed in rookie ball last year hasn't materialized so far this season, and it's worth wondering if or when the Mariners will ultimately move him from behind the plate to better take advantage of his speed. All in all, there's a lot of development left to go for last season's No. 12 overall draft pick, but he's got great upside.
