Free-agent designated hitter/first baseman Mike Ford signed a minor-league deal with the Minnesota Twins on Thursday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, according to a source. Ford will try to win a roster spot with the Twins out of spring training in 2025 after hitting .150 (9-for-60) with a homer, four RBI and two runs scored in only 17 games played for the Cincinnati Reds this past season. The 32-year-old veteran left-handed hitter finished last year in Japan while playing for the Yokohama DeNA Baystars. Ford made his major-league debut with the New York Yankees back in 2019 and has a career .205/.298/.402 slash line with a .700 OPS, 37 home runs and 89 RBI in 781 plate appearances over 251 games in six seasons. The Twins have an opening at first base for 2025, but at best, Ford will likely be a bench bat for Minnesota.
First baseman Mike Ford officially signed a deal with the Cincinnati Reds after agreeing to a minor-league deal earlier this offseason. Ford is slotted to be in a bench role while Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Jeimer Candelario hold down first and third base, respectively. The veteran could slot into the lineup to provide injury relief throughout the season, but he is not expected to be a major fantasy contributor.
The Cincinnati Reds have signed free-agent first baseman Mike Ford to a minor-league deal, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The deal includes an invitation to spring training, as well as additional opt-out clauses that would presumably come into effect if Ford doesn't make the big-league squad. Heyman notes that Ford would earn $1.3 million if he does make the majors, and he has an additional $125,000 available in incentives. The Reds already have a corner infielder on their bench in Christian Encarnacion-Strand, but Ford figures to compete for a role anyway. At the very least, he offers veteran depth and can contribute in the event of injuries.
Seattle Mariners first baseman/designated hitter Mike Ford was designated for assignment Tuesday, per Seattle Sports. The move came to protect minor league outfielder Zach DeLoach from the Rule 5 draft. The 31-year-old provided power off the bench but little else, slashing .228/.323/.475 with 16 home runs and 34 RBI in 251 plate appearances. On the other hand, the 25-year-old DeLoach had a strong 2023 season with Triple-A Tacoma, slashing .286/.387/.481 with 23 HR, 88 RBI, and eight stolen bases in 623 plate appearances.
Seattle Mariners designated hitter Mike Ford is on the bench for Monday's series opener against the visiting Los Angeles Angels and left-hander Reid Detmers. It's not surprising to see the lefty-swinging Ford hit the bench against a southpaw starting pitcher but it's also worth noting he is hitting .357 against lefties for the season. That said, all 16 of his home runs and 21 of his 22 extra-base hits this season have indeed come off of right-handed pitching. Ford's playing time could take a hit moving forward with the return of the lefty-swinging Jarred Kelenic while Ford is hitting just .191 with a .729 OPS in the second half versus a .277 average and .944 OPS in 30 games prior to the All-Star break.
Seattle Mariners designated hitter Mike Ford will get back into the starting lineup Wednesday against the Oakland A's and right-hander Zach Neal. Ford slumped heavily in late July through early August but has seemingly regained his form at the plate, notching three hits, including a homer, with two walks against one strikeout over his last two games, boosting his August OPS to a respectable .722 after a rough start to the month. The 31-year-old has proven to be a valuable addition to a potent Mariners offense as Ford has clubbed 13 home runs with an .814 OPS and .346 wOBA across 61 games while mostly starting at DH versus right-handed pitching.
Los Angeles Angels first baseman Mike Ford went 2-for-4 with two strikeouts in the team's 8-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday in his debut with the club. Ford was recently signed with Jared Walsh (shoulder) being ruled out for the rest of the season due to thoracic outlet syndrome. The 30-year-old should see decent playing time will splitting at-bats with Matt Thaiss at the cold corner the rest of the way for the out-of-contention Angels, making him worth a look in AL-only leagues. The left-handed slugger is with his fourth team this year alone, as he's also seen action with the Giants, Mariners and Braves. He's played in just 23 games this year, going 8-for-44 (182) with no home runs and five RBI.
Seattle Mariners first baseman Mike Ford was designated for assignment earlier this week. Now, the 29-year-old will have a new home as he was acquired by the San Francisco Giants. In exchange, the Mariners will receive cash considerations for Ford. The Giants are dealing with a small COVID-19 issue, so they need more bodies on their roster. Ford hasn't done much to impress during his time at the big league level. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect much to change in San Francisco. In a corresponding move, outfielder Ka'ai Tom has been optioned to the minors to make room for Ford on the active roster.
The Seattle Mariners signed first baseman Mike Ford to a minor league contract on Tuesday. The 29-year-old has played in 101 major league games, all for the New York Yankees. Over those 101 games, he's slashed just .199/.301/.422 with 17 home runs, 41 RBI and 41 runs. He's certainly shown power upside in the minors. He had a 1.007 OPS over 79 games at Triple-A in 2019. Ford will need to continue tapping into that power potential in order to get another shot in the majors.
The Washington Nationals have claimed first baseman Mike Ford off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday. The lefty hitting infielder was traded to the Rays earlier in the season, but started the season with the New York Yankees. Hopefully, the 29-year-old will actually get a chance to play on the rebuilding Nats roster. Ford has shown some success at the big league lever earlier in his career. He won't be worth snagging in fantasy formats, but at least he'll hopefully get some playing time in Washington.
