The Rays have previously expressed interest in the Mariners capturing the rookie Harry FordAccording to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times . There is no indication that Tampa is currently interested in the youngster, nor that any trade talks are ongoing between the two clubs.
Ford, 22 in February, was Seattle’s first-round pick in the 2021 draft and was considered a consensus top-50 prospect. From the moment he began his career shortly after being drafted, he started with a .291/.400/.582 slash line in 19 rookie games at every level of the minors he touched. He jumped to a full season in 2022 and found success there, slashing .274/.425/.438 at Single-A in 2023 and then High-A the following year. During his two appearances in A-ball, Ford increased his walk rate to over 17 percent while hitting 10 to 15 home runs. Most interestingly, he displayed impressive wheels for receivers and flashed speed on base routes for 25 snaps.
In 2024, the youngster faced his first real obstacle after reaching the Double-A level. As a 21-year-old last year, Ford hit a solid but unspectacular .249/.377/.367, which is good for a 119 wRC+. Ford’s 14.1% on-base percentage was still impressive, and he reached new heights with 35 steals, but his power output dropped significantly as he struck out just seven in 523 plate appearances. home runs. However, even that relatively down season was still significantly above average for his league, considering Ford was one of only five qualifying hitters in Double-A Texas. This feat is even more impressive for one of the players who will be 21 or younger during the 2024 season.
While Ford’s bat was generally well-received, there were some questions about his ability to stick behind the plate. Ford has earned plenty of praise for his athleticism, but his current production behind the plate is well below average, leading some to think he might follow Dalton WashoeHe was also an athletic, fast-catching player in the minor leagues, but moved to the outfield early in his major league career. For now, however, the Mariners appear ready to continue developing his rebounding skills.
Given the Rays’ interest in Ford, they also appear to believe in his ability to stay the course. Tampa’s needs heading into the offseason were well known, as they not only lacked clear additions Ben Rotwit at the major league level in 2025, but no particularly compelling prospects yet. A look at MLB.com’s list of the top 30 bright prospects reveals just two catchers: Catching the Convert Dominic Keegan Ranked 13th while 19 years old JD Gonzalez He still ranked 27th despite hitting just .161/.268/.198 in his first appearance in Baseball America last season.
A deal with Ford would do little to improve the club’s short-term receiving situation, considering he hasn’t reached the Triple-A level yet and is still considered very raw defensively. With that being said, the Rays have addressed their pressing need for catcher with a signing Danny Jensen He was signed on a one-year contract, putting him ahead of Roetveit in the club’s attacking tandem. That puts the club pretty far behind in the 2025 race, but those issues will arise again when Jansson leaves as a free agent a year later. It would make sense for the Rays to add a top prospect like Ford who is about a year away from the majors, and then allow Jansen to be a bridge to the future at the position this year.
However, while Ford still makes sense as a potential trade target for the Rays, there’s reason to wonder how likely a deal would be to get done even if Tampa remains interested in the young catcher. The Mariners are known to be in the market for infield help this winter, having previously spoken with the Cubs and Phillies Nico Horner and Alec Bohm. These talks don’t seem to be gaining much traction, which makes a move to the Rays’ infield seem like Yandy Dias or Brandon Lowe At least it’s theoretically possible for Seattle.
That being said, Diaz and Lowe are considered key pieces on a Rays roster that struggled to create scoring chances last year, and there’s clearly no need for further salary cuts following the trade. jeffrey springs To The Athletic, it’s unclear whether either player will be able to play this winter. Maybe a deal could be worked out with a less mature Rays infielder, e.g. Jonathan Aranda, Curtis Meador Oslevis Basabaybut it’s unclear whether the Mariners are interested in adding such young talent or are more focused on veteran players with major league records.
