Seattle added catching prospect Ford to its major league roster on Monday, selecting his contract from Triple-A Tacoma. The 22-year-old is now the third catcher on the Mariners’ depth chart, joining Cal Raleigh and Mitch Garver.
Ford finished 97 games in Tacoma with a .283/.408/.460 slash line, including 16 home runs and seven stolen bases. His plate discipline stands out, as his 0.84 BB/K ratio ranks 15th among qualified Triple-A hitters, and his .408 on-base percentage underscores strong on-base skills for a young catcher. He also contributed seven steals, the second-most among Triple-A backstops this season.
What this means: Ford’s promotion gives Seattle added catching depth and a high-upside kid with a strong eye at the plate and surprising speed for the position. If he continues to developmentally progress, he could contribute as a depth option behind Raleigh and Garver, with a possible faster emergence if he adjusts quickly to major league pitching.
Summary: Ford’s strong Triple-A numbers—excellent on-base ability, power, and speed for a catcher—help explain why Seattle moved to bring him up, signaling optimism about his future and potential impact at the major league level.
Additional notes and context: His high on-base percentage and plate discipline suggest he may adapt well to major league pitching, while the speed profile adds a dimension rare for catchers. The move also underscores Seattle’s interest in versatile, young backstops who can develop under veteran leadership. If you’re following the Mariners’ long-term plan at catcher, Ford’s arrival is a step toward adding dynamic depth that could pay dividends in the near future.