The shift against velocity has been dramatic for Ford in 2025 as he is giving himself more time to get the barrel out with an uptick in bat speed. His path is slightly flatter, which has resulted in a higher ground ball rate, though his exit velocities and contact rates have climbed, helping him do more damage on contact, hitter-friendly PCL aside.
Ford’s elite plate discipline helps solidify his offensive floor as he is likely to get on base at a strong clip, even with average contact rates. It’s a unique offensive profile, but even with a 15+ homer outlook, he could provide above-average production.
Defense/Speed
Drafted as a project defensively, Ford has made significant progress as a blocker and receiver, cutting his passed balls from 20 in 2023 to just five in 2024. Ford’s transfer and arm strength have made gains at the upper levels as well, helping him limit the run game at an improved clip. He should be an average defensive catcher.
An easy plus runner, Ford also saw action in left field for the first time in his pro career towards the end of his Double-A season. The Mariners have somewhat put that experiment on ice, as Ford has progressed behind the dish, but it could be worth revisiting if he forces his way to the big leagues. An aggressive base runner, Ford swiped 35 bags on 44 tries in 116 games during the 2024 season, though he has been more hesitant to steal in Triple-A.
Outlook
Ford earns high marks for his makeup and work ethic, and his steady improvements as a catcher only help validate that assertion. Even if the hit and power are average at best, his superb on-base skills and speed should help maximize his offensive value, and the uptick in contact and quality of contact in 2025 with what looks like solidly average defense behind the dish only helps solidify his high probability of landing as a big league regular.