Nationals to Recall Top Catching Prospect, Activate Max Kranick

Ford, 23, was the headliner in an offseason trade that sent closer Jose A. Ferrer to the Seattle Mariners. The righty-hitting catcher had been a top-five prospect in Seattle’s system since going 12th overall in the 2021 MLB Draft and debuted briefly in the majors last year. He mostly operated as a pinch hitter and defensive replacement, going 1-for-6 in eight plate appearances.

Now the Nationals’ No. 7 prospect, Ford is in the midst of an up-and-down season. He owns a .223/.370/.335 slash line with four home runs and 22 RBI over 58 Triple-A games but, according to Nusbaum, was playing through a shoulder injury that hampered his production.

Ford’s production has improved significantly over the past six weeks. The righty slugger posted an .841 OPS in June and a 1.028 OPS in eight July games, consistently hitting the ball with more force while also making better swing decisions. He figures to back up Keibert Ruiz in Millas’ absence.

Millas, 28, is hitting just .185/.277/.262 through 50 games this season but has been one of the better receiving catchers in MLB. He currently ranks in the 93rd percentile in framing, according to Statcast.

In addition to placing Millas on the IL, the Nationals activated right-hander Max Kranick from the 60-day IL on Wednesday. There are now 13 pitchers on the 26-man roster.

Kranick, 28, has yet to appear in a game as a National. He was immediately placed on the IL upon signing with the club in early May and has spent the past month on a minor league rehab assignment.

In 2025, Kranick made 24 relief appearances for the New York Mets, posting a 3.65 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 25 strikeouts over 37 innings. The right-hander underwent season-ending flexor tendon surgery in July and was non-tendered at the end of the year, making him a free agent.

Kranick split his rehab assignment among all four of the Nationals’ affiliates, making a total of eight appearances between June 21 and July 14. He allowed seven earned runs on 13 hits during those outings, recording 11 strikeouts and three walks over 11.2 innings. His fastball sat around 95 mph and reached 97 mph, which is on par with his averages before the injury.

Washington’s bullpen was among the league’s worst before the All-Star break, posting a collective 5.07 ERA and an MLB-high 27 blown saves. Kranick will aim to help stabilize that unit as the Nationals enter the second half sitting just four games out of the final Wild Card spot in the National League.