Rays Have Beforehand Expressed Curiosity In Harry Ford

The Rays have beforehand expressed curiosity in poaching the Mariners prospect Harry FordIn accordance with Adam Good of The Seattle Times. There isn’t a indication that Tampa’s curiosity within the teenager is ongoing or that there are any commerce negotiations underway between the 2 golf equipment.

Ford, who turned 22 in February, was Seattle’s first-round decide within the 2021 draft and is among the many recreation’s prime 50 prospects. He has managed to hit properly at each stage of minors he has been uncovered to from the second he started his skilled profession with a .291/.400/.582 slash line in 19 rookie ball video games shortly after being drafted. He made the bounce to full-season ball in 2022 and had success there as properly, slashing .274/.425/.438 on the Single-A stage in 2023 earlier than posting a virtually similar .257/.410/.430 slash line at Excessive-A. The next 12 months. Over his two stops in A-ball, Ford floated his stroll charges north of 17% whereas flashing an influence homer from 10 to fifteen. What’s much more attention-grabbing is that he confirmed off fairly spectacular wheels for the catcher and shortly flashed 25 steals on the basepaths.

The teenager confronted his first actual roadblock in 2024 upon reaching the Double-A stage. In his age-21 marketing campaign final 12 months, Ford hit a strong however unspectacular .249/.377/.367, which was good for a 119 wRC+ on the stage. Ford’s 14.1% stroll charge remained spectacular and he reached new heights on the bases with 35 steals, however his energy output diminished as he crushed simply seven homers in 523 journeys to the plate. Even this comparatively off-season was nonetheless considerably above common for the league, a feat much more spectacular given the truth that Ford was one in all solely 5 eligible hitters within the Double-A Texas League who performed the 2024 season at age 21. Or much less.

Whereas Ford’s bat is mostly well-regarded, there are some questions as as to if or not he’ll be capable to keep behind the plate. Ford’s athleticism has obtained lots of reward, however he’s a properly beneath common participant for the time being which has led some to recommend he could comply with in Ford’s footsteps. Dolton Varshowho was additionally an athletic and quick catching catcher within the minor leagues however moved to the outfield early in his large league profession. Nevertheless, for now, the Mariners seem able to proceed growing his abilities behind the plate.

Given the Rays’ curiosity in Ford, it appears probably that in addition they consider in his capability to remain behind the plate. Tampa’s wants behind the plate getting into the offseason have been well-known as a result of they not solely lacked a transparent complement to them Ben Rortveit On the large league stage for 2025 however in addition they have no enticing prospects at present coming by means of their pipeline. Have a look at MLB.com’s Top 30 Prospects The roster reveals solely two catchers: conversion catchers Dominic Keegan He’s ranked thirteenth whereas he’s 19 years outdated JD Gonzalez He ranks twenty seventh regardless of hitting simply .161/.268/.198 in his first style of USA baseball final season.

Closing a cope with Ford would not do a lot to enhance the membership’s state of affairs within the quick time period given the truth that he has but to achieve the Triple-A stage and continues to be thought of very torpid behind the plate defensively. With that being stated, the Rays have already addressed their speedy want at a catcher by signing Danny Jansen for a one-year deal, placing him forward of Rortvedt within the membership’s tandem. That leaves the membership in a reasonably good place in 2025, however these questions are anticipated to return up once more when Janssen leaves without cost company a 12 months from now. Including a prime prospect like Ford who’s a few 12 months away from the majors would make sense for the Rays, due to this fact, permitting Jansen to function a bridge to the way forward for the place this 12 months.

Though Ford nonetheless is smart as a possible commerce goal for the Rays, it is truthful to marvel how probably a deal is to return collectively even when Tampa stays within the younger catcher. The Mariners are identified to be available in the market for assist this winter I previously spoke to Cubs and Phillies about Nico Horner and Alec Boom. These conversations are not gaining a lot traction, which makes pivoting to the Rays’ outfield extra of a problem Yandy Diaz or Brandon Lowe A minimum of theoretically attainable for Seattle.

With that being stated, Diaz and Lue are key items in a Rays lineup that struggled to generate runs final 12 months, and with no obvious want to chop salaries additional after that. Dealing Jeffrey Springs As for the A’s, it is unclear if both participant might be accessible this winter. Perhaps a deal could possibly be labored out that features a lesser-known Rays participant like Jonathan Aranda, Curtis Meador Oslivis Basabihowever it’s unclear whether or not the Mariners are curious about including a younger man of this sort or if they’re focusing extra on established gamers with a serious league report.