BREAKING: The Seattle Mariners have officially promoted their top catching prospect, Harry Ford, to the major leagues as of Monday, September 25, 2023. This urgent move comes as active rosters expand to 28 players, marking a significant moment for the 22-year-old athlete.
Ford, who played for Triple-A Tacoma, delivered an impressive performance this season with a batting average of .283, alongside 16 home runs, 74 RBIs, seven steals, and an outstanding OPS of .868 over 97 games. Recognized as the No. 40 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline, Ford is the No. 4 prospect in the Mariners’ organization, making his promotion highly anticipated.
Drafted as the No. 12 overall pick in the 2021 amateur draft from North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia, Ford signed with the Mariners for a bonus of $4,366,400, which was the expected slot value. Over his five minor league seasons, Ford has maintained a solid average of .266, accumulating 52 home runs, 261 RBIs, 92 steals, and an OPS of .832.
Born in Atlanta to British parents, Ford gained international recognition by helping Team Great Britain qualify for the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he showcased his talent by hitting two home runs in the group stage. His ascension to the major leagues not only highlights his skills but also represents a significant achievement for British baseball on the global stage.
Ford’s promotion adds to the Mariners’ roster depth, joining four other first-round draft picks from consecutive years: right-handers Logan Gilbert (2018), George Kirby (2019), Emerson Hancock (2020), and infielder Cole Young (2022). This influx of young talent underscores the Mariners’ commitment to building a competitive team for the future.
In addition to Ford, the Mariners have made several roster adjustments, promoting right-hander Luke Jackson from Tacoma and recalling infielder Leo Rivas from the Rainiers. The team also designated right-hander Sauryn Lao for assignment and released infielder Donovan Solano as they prepare for the final stretch of the season.
As the Mariners look to capitalize on their strong roster, all eyes will be on Ford as he takes the field in the major leagues for the first time. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this rising star will perform at the highest level. Stay tuned for more updates on his debut and the Mariners’ upcoming games.
