Harry Ford Not Making A Position Switch
Harry Ford, who was ranked as Keith Law's No. 61 prospect before the season, made his first career starts in left field on Friday and Saturday with Double-A Arkansas over the weekend. However, general manager Justin Hollander said that Ford requested to play in the field on days he was not catching, expressing that he was bored as a designated hitter. Ford catches around 60% of the time and believed he would be more valuable to his team if he could play a position rather than simply hit. He's not being showcased for a trade or being prepped for a promotion as an outfielder. It's a development to watch for the 21-year-old backstop, though, who is ranked by MLB Pipeline as Seattle's No. 2 prospect. Ford is projected to reach the big leagues in 2025 and is currently hitting .253/.376/.381 with five homers, 30 RBI, 21 steals and 37 runs scored in 76 games for Arkansas this year.
Source: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal
Seattle Mariners catching prospect Source: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal
Tampa Bay Interested In Acquiring Harry Ford
Harry Ford of the Seattle Mariners. While it is unclear how interested the Rays were in acquiring him, it is worth noting that they are looking to further bolster their pipeline. If the Rays fall out of the playoff picture, they could be interested in resuming conversations, especially if Brandon Lowe or Yandy Diaz are involved in the deal. Last season, Harry Ford spent the entire 2024 campaign at the Double-A level. The 21-year-old posted a .249/.377/.367 line with 26 doubles, seven home runs, and 35 stolen bases. Fantasy managers should monitor Ford's production during spring training as he could push to open the 2025 season at Triple-A, which could open the door for a late-season major league debut.
Source: Adam Jude
According to Adam Jude of the Seattle Times, the Tampa Bay Rays have expressed interest in trading for top catching prospect Source: Adam Jude
Harry Ford Heating Up In August
Harry Ford struggled immensely, posting a .619 OPS in 156 plate appearances. Since the start of August, Ford has played much better. Through 13 games, he's slashing .260/.393/.440 with three doubles, two home runs, six RBI, six stolen bases, and 8:19 BB/SO. Overall, Ford is slashing .249/.376/.380 this season. Seattle's No. 4 prospect (per MLB.com), he's expected to make his MLB debut in 2025.
Source: Baseball Reference
Through June and July, Seattle Mariners catching prospect Source: Baseball Reference
Harry Ford Goes Deep On Wednesday
Harry Ford went 1-for-2 with a home run and two walks. The young backstop has struggled through August, carrying a .188/.333/.281 line, but hopefully, Wednesday's long ball helps him get back on track. Since July 1, the former first-round pick has carried a disappointing .191 AVG but held a solid .254 AVG through the majority of the first half. Overall, Ford has performed well through his first extended look at Double-A pitching and is a name to keep a close eye on going forward. MLB.com ranks the North Cobb HS product as the fourth-best prospect in a deep Seattle system and the 53rd-best in the entire sport.
Source: MiLB.com
Seattle Mariners catching prospect Source: MiLB.com
Harry Ford Returns To Action In Double-A
Harry Ford (concussion) returned to action on Sunday for Double-A Arkansas after missing the previous 10 games with a concussion. Ford batted leadoff in the game and went 1-for-4 with a run and a single. The No. 23 prospect per MLB Pipeline has been enjoying a nice season for Arkansas, hitting .247 with five homers, 31 RBI and 22 stolen bases in 83 games. The 12th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft offers plenty of athleticism and an advanced approach at the plate, but he still breaking into his power. If Ford can tap some more into his power, he can be a true asset behind the plate with the potential to have 20 homers and 20 stolen bases behind the dish. For now, he is an upside add in dynasty leagues.
Source: MLB Pipeline
Seattle Mariners catcher prospect Source: MLB Pipeline
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