Mariners trade top catching prospect Harry Ford for surprising return

Catching prospect Harry Ford is blocked at the major league level in the Seattle Mariners organization. As the Mariners are looking to improve the roster for a deep playoff run, Ford was expected to be on the trade block.

That trade happened on Saturday. Andrew Golden of the Washington Post reported that the Nationals acquired Ford and pitching prospect Isaac Lyon from the Mariners. In exchange, the Nationals sent reliever Jose Ferrer to Seattle.

The Mariners were clear about their desire to upgrade the bullpen, with Adam Jude of the Seattle Times reporting that Seattle was hoping to add at least two relievers. Ferrer, who took over as the Nationals closer once Kyle Finnegan was sent to Detroit, had a solid year in 2025. He posted a 4.48 ERA and a 1.271 WHiP over 76.1 innings, recording 11 saves while striking out 71 batters with 16 walks. A 3.03 FIP (ERA based on outcomes a pitcher can control with league average defense) and an inflated .345 batting average on balls in play give hope that Ferrer can be a weapon in the Mariners bullpen.

Seattle Mariners pay steep price for bullpen upgrade

Despite being blocked in Seattle, Ford was a steep price to pay. Regarded as the third-best catching prospect and 42nd-ranked prospect overall by MLB.com, Ford has given flashes of his impressive tools. He is considered to have plus speed and solid power with the ability to drive the ball to all fields, making him a potential 20-homer/20-steal player in the majors. 

While his defense needs work, his agility and quickness give hope that he can be a league-average defensive backstop at worst. He had a strong showing at Triple-A in 2025, posting a .283/.408/.460 batting line with 16 homers and 18 doubles over 458 plate appearances, leading to an eight-plate-appearance cameo in Seattle.

A 10th-round draft pick in 2025, Lyon made four appearances in A-ball last year. He allowed 10 runs on 16 hits and three walks over 12.1 innings, striking out 15. A true sidearm pitcher, Lyon has a solid four-pitch mix with a mid-90s fastball, slider, cutter and changeup with impressive command. His father, Brandon Lyon, was a major league reliever for parts of 12 seasons between 2001 and 2013.

This trade could be one that the Mariners regret for years. Ford likely enters spring training as the favorite to be the Nationals' Opening Day catcher. If his tools and potential can translate to the majors, Ford could end up as a perennial All-Star behind the plate. He may be a steep price to pay for a middle reliever.