In West Palm Beach, the Washington Nationals have solidified their Opening Day catching lineup, and it doesn't include their newly acquired top prospect, Harry Ford.
On Wednesday, the Nationals made a series of moves, optioning catcher Harry Ford and first baseman Abimelec Ortiz to Triple-A Rochester, while also reassigning catcher Riley Adams to minor-league camp. This sets the stage for Keibert Ruiz and Drew Millas to handle catching duties against the Chicago Cubs, unless there's an unexpected change.
The catcher position was a key area of competition for Washington this spring. Ruiz, locked into a long-term contract, was the primary catcher last season but has struggled to consistently perform above replacement level. Millas, known for his defensive prowess and strong Triple-A performance, has had limited major league exposure.
The Nationals brought Ford into the fold via a trade with the Seattle Mariners, signaling both a critique of their past catching performance and an endorsement of Ford’s potential. Ranked No. 5 on the Nationals' prospect list, Ford was acquired alongside pitching prospect Isaac Lyon in exchange for reliever Jose A. Ferrer.
Ford's ability to get on base and his athleticism are highly valued by the Nationals, despite some defensive areas needing improvement. His spring training was cut short due to his participation with Team Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic, where he went 3-for-15 with a homer. In limited action with the Nationals, he went 3-for-14.
Manager Blake Butera emphasized that Ford's demotion wasn't due to performance issues but rather a chance to refine his skills. Key areas for development include game-calling, managing a pitching staff, and getting regular at-bats. New catching coach Bobby Wilson will be working closely with Ford to ensure a smooth transition to the majors when the time comes.
Butera made it clear that there’s no set timeline for Ford’s return. “If you go down there and you dominate, you force our hand,” he remarked, highlighting the team's openness to bringing Ford up based on performance.
Ruiz’s playing time will be determined by his performance and matchups, a common approach for any player on the roster. The Nationals' new management is more flexible, not tied to previous roster commitments, and willing to adjust based on how the season unfolds.
Riley Adams, who has been a regular backup to Ruiz, was designated for assignment in January, indicating a likely start in the minors. He will earn $500,000 in Rochester, reflecting the team's shift in strategy and personnel for the upcoming season.