A tale of two staffs: Ford tasked with learning Nats & Team GB's pitchers this spring
This browser does not support the video element.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Harry Ford had only known one Major League organization since 2021. This Spring Training, the 22-year-old catcher is getting a six-week crash course on a new pitching staff while trying to establish himself on the Nationals Major League roster.
“It's a chance to earn and to work for,” Ford, the Nationals' No. 2 prospect (MLB No. 71) said Tuesday morning before the first pitchers and catchers workout. “... I'm just trying to put my best step forward and just bring the best version of me I can.”
Ford arrived in West Palm Beach, Fla., last Thursday, two months after being acquired from the Mariners in exchange for reliever Jose A. Ferrer. After coming up in an organization whose backstop rotation is headlined by AL MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh, Ford is in the mix for consistent playing time on the Nats.
Ford will contend in camp with Keibert Ruiz, who is returning from a 2025 season limited by concussions. Riley Adams and Drew Millas also will vie for playing time.
“We’ve got some interesting depth there, so it's going to be an open competition,” president of baseball operations Paul Toboni said. “We're going to go with the folks that we think can help us win most.”
This browser does not support the video element.
Ford and Ruiz met the first offseason after Ford had been drafted. Ford looks forward to learning from the six-year veteran.
“He's a good guy, he's nice to be around,” Ford said. “He’s one of those dudes, he kind of looks out for you, which I really appreciated then. I'm just excited to work with him and to grow.”
Ruiz, 27, has been the Nats starting catcher since he was acquired from the Dodgers in 2021. Last season, he was limited to 68 games (compared to 127 the previous year) because of concussions. Ruiz, who has not appeared in a Major League game since July 5, is now healthy and participating in camp without restrictions. He is happy to welcome Ford into the group.
“I think it’s good -- anything they’ve got to do to get this team in a good position to win is great for the team,” said Ruiz. “[Ford is] a great guy, an unbelievable player.”
Ford noted a level of comfort being traded to a young team where most of the players are also in the early stages of their careers. He had not caught any of the Nationals pitchers in previous baseball circuits, and his approach is getting to know them beyond their pitching arsenal.
“It’ll definitely take a whole spring,” Ford said. “It’s not something you get quick because it's not just learning what everyone throws. It’s learning how they do it, what they need, who they are, and so that definitely takes time and intentionality. It’s my first time having to really do it, but it’ll be good.”
Ford will balance learning the Nationals pitchers with learning the Team Great Britain staff when he participates in his second World Baseball Classic next month. Great Britain plays in Pool B action at Daikin Park in Houston.
“It's a good test,” said manager Blake Butera. “But everything that I've heard about Harry and everything I've learned about Harry just in the few days that I've spent with him, he'll handle it in stride and be totally fine. If anything, it's going to be a good challenge for him: One, he's learning all these new pitchers, and he’s also going to learn some new pitchers with Great Britain. But he’s more than capable of handling that.”
Ford is preparing for what he hopes will be his first full year in the Majors. After debuting last season on Sept. 5, he appeared in eight games and took six at-bats. He slashed .283/.408/.460 with a .868 OPS in 97 games with Triple-A Tacoma.
“[I want to be] more consistent,” Ford said of his offensive goals. “I know I have the talent and the skill. Just showing more and more on a daily basis and being able to put it all together.”