Rays Show Interest in Mariners’ Top Prospect Harry Ford
The Tampa Bay Rays have reportedly shown interest in Seattle Mariners’ top prospect Harry Ford, according to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times. However, there is no indication that the team is currently pursuing a trade for the 22-year-old catcher.
Ford, who was drafted by the Mariners in the first round of the 2021 draft, has been making a name for himself in the minor leagues. In 2024, he hit a solid.249/.377/.367 in Double-A, good for a 119 wRC+, and showed off his impressive speed, stealing 35 bases.
The Rays’ potential interest in Ford makes sense, considering their need for catcher depth. While they signed Danny Jansen to a one-year contract, he is only a short-term solution and will become a free agent after the 2025 season. Ford, on the other hand, is considered a top prospect and could potentially be a long-term solution at catcher.
However, it’s unclear whether a deal would get done between the two teams. The Mariners are known to be in the market for infield help this winter, and it’s possible that they could be looking to trade Ford to a team that meets their needs. Additionally, the Rays may be hesitant to give up a top prospect like Ford, especially if they are not convinced that he can stick behind the plate.
Ford’s defensive skills are still a work in progress, and some have questioned whether he has the ability to stay behind the plate long-term. However, the Mariners appear to be committed to developing his skills, and if the Rays are willing to take on that risk, a trade could potentially be in the works.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Who is Harry Ford?
A: Harry Ford is a 22-year-old catcher who was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the first round of the 2021 draft.
Q: What are Ford’s stats like in the minor leagues?
A: In 2024, Ford hit a solid.249/.377/.367 in Double-A, good for a 119 wRC+, and showed off his impressive speed, stealing 35 bases.
Q: Why are the Rays interested in Ford?
A: The Rays are interested in Ford because they need catcher depth and he is considered a top prospect who could potentially be a long-term solution at catcher.
Q: Is a trade between the Rays and Mariners likely?
A: It’s unclear whether a deal would get done between the two teams. The Mariners are known to be in the market for infield help, and the Rays may be hesitant to give up a top prospect like Ford.
Conclusion:
The Rays’ interest in Harry Ford shows that they are willing to take a chance on a top prospect who may not be an immediate solution, but could potentially be a long-term fix at catcher. While a trade between the two teams is uncertain, it’s clear that Ford is a talented young player who could make an impact at the major league level in the future.
