Mariners Update Plans on Harry Ford’s Debut as Catcher Waits

Harry Ford packed a bag for the big leagues on Sept. 1. Two days later, he still hasn’t touched the field.

Seattle promoted its top catching prospect as rosters expanded, the latest step in a steady climb that saw Ford post a .283/.408/.460 line with 16 homers and 74 RBI in 97 Triple-A games this year

Manager Dan Wilson, however, isn’t in a rush to get him into a game. 

 “Taking it day by day… want to get him in there, of course… we’re looking at it and assessing as we go,” Wilson said. He also acknowledged the obvious soft spot on the schedule: the Mariners head to Atlanta next—Ford’s hometown. “It’s a great spot to get him in somewhere there.” 

Seattle’s timing is tricky. 

The Mariners have coughed up ground in the wild-card race. They are 4–6 in their last 10 and riding a two-game skid. They’re clinging to the third AL spot with the Royals and Rangers close enough to tap the hull.

The other complication is behind the plate. 

Cal Raleigh is the heartbeat of this lineup and currently sitting on 51 home runs with roughly three weeks left. Whatever Ford represents for the future, Raleigh’s bat keeps the season afloat right now.

Even if the Mariners want to protect Raleigh’s legs for the stretch run and keep his bat in the DH slot more often, they have Mitch Garver as a backup.  Ford offers a flexible way to use Garver, allowing Wilson to make late-game substitutions with Garver. 

If they’re prioritizing bat-to-ball and game-calling trust in high-leverage moments, they may wait for a softer landing—late in a blowout, a getaway day start, or yes, an emotional matinee in Atlanta.

It’s a tough call. There is the urgency of September vs. a top prospect getting playing time. Wilson can’t worry about developing players right now, but they also can’t let their top catching prospect just sit day after day.