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Mariners Youth Movement Peaks With Five Straight First-Round Picks In Majors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 2:03 PM ET

The Seattle Mariners’ youth movement is now fully on display. With the promotion of catcher Harry Ford on Monday, the club has first-round picks from five consecutive drafts on the active roster: Logan Gilbert (2018), George Kirby (2019), Emerson Hancock (2020), Ford (2021) and shortstop Cole Young (2022).

Ford, 22, is ranked the No. 40 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline and fourth in Seattle’s system. He hit .283 with a .408 on-base percentage, 16 homers and 74 RBIs in 97 games at Triple-A Tacoma this season, continuing a track record of power, speed and patience at the plate.

Mariners call up catcher Harry Ford, @MLBPipeline's No. 40 overall prospect (Mariners No. 4).

In 97 games at Triple-A Tacoma, Ford had a .868 OPS with 16 HR and 74 RBI. pic.twitter.com/fqENSJsZ1K
— MLB (@MLB) September 1, 2025

A first-rounder out of North Cobb High School in Georgia, Ford has long been viewed as one of the Mariners’ most athletic prospects. He owns a .405 career on-base percentage in the minors and gained international attention starring for Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic.

How Seattle deploys him will be closely watched. Cal Raleigh has become one of the most productive catchers in the majors, powering the Mariners’ offense with historic home run totals this season. Ford could slot into a complementary role, offering days off for Raleigh while giving the Mariners a chance to evaluate a young backstop with upside. His ability to get on base and handle multiple defensive responsibilities may also allow manager Scott Servais to use him creatively down the stretch.

Seattle’s latest promotion reinforces its commitment to building around a homegrown core. Ford’s debut not only adds another promising bat but extends a trend of drafting, developing and promoting top talent to fuel the team’s playoff push.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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