Mike Ford and His Journey Through the Minors and the Majors

Mike Ford
by

Mike Ford

Photo courtesy: Mike Ford via Instagram post on April 19, 2019

First baseman Mike Ford was traded from the Seattle Mariners to the Cincinnati Reds this past winter and has spent much of this season alternating between the Louisville Bats (AAA) and the Reds’ major league roster. A graduate of Princeton University and a former Arsenal USA baseball student, Ford’s journey to the big leagues is both unconventional and inspiring. His strong academic and athletic background set him apart, but it was his perseverance through years in the minors that truly defined his career. Known for his left-handed power and ability to work counts and made a name for himself with his power-hitting and resilience, Ford has become a key player wherever he goes. His time in Cincinnati offers another chapter in his evolving baseball career, showcasing his adaptability and continued pursuit of a permanent spot in the majors. 

 

Mike Ford Walk off home run vs Oakland Athletics (youtube.com)

 

Let’s break down his journey from Minor to Major: 

Mike Ford didn’t make much of an impression in his early career, but by 2016, he started to show off his powerful blows. He began the 2017 season at Double-A before receiving a promotion to Triple-A. In the Major League round of the Rule 5 Draft after that season, Ford was chosen by the Seattle Mariners. He was sent back to the Yankees after failing to make the Mariners’ big – roster during spring training in 2018. Ford played for the Yankees full-time in Triple-A during the year. In 2019, he had a breakthrough season that resulted in his first major league call-up.

Ford had a difficult 2020 after a thorough examination of his performance indicated a notable decline. While Luke Voit, his platoon rival, had an outstanding season leading the American League in home runs and significantly separating himself from Ford, he was unable to live up to expectations. His difficulties continued into 2021; on June 2nd, he was optioned to the minors, and on June 12th, he was assigned.

June 17 was the day of his trade to the Tampa Bay Rays. Ford, however, stayed at Triple-A following the trade and was designated for assignment once more on August 21 to create space for more pitching depth. August 23, just two days later, was Ford’s waiver claim date removed by the Washington Nationals. After the season, he was declared a free agent since the Nationals declined to extend a contract offer to him. Ford joined the Seattle Mariners on a minor league contract before the 2022 season. After making just six appearances in a single game, he was designated for assignment after being called up to the major league roster on April 19.

San Franciso Giants

Ford was dealt by the Mariners to the San Francisco Giants on April 30, 2022, in exchange for cash. After being demoted, After Donovan Walton was acquired, San Francisco designated Ford for assignment on May 11. 

Seattle Mariners (second stint) (2022)

The Giants returned Ford to the Mariners on May 12, 2022. Ford was designated for assignment by the Mariners on June 4.  

Atlanta Braves (2022)

Mike Ford, who had some experience as a pitcher during his time at Princeton University, made his MLB debut on June 30 against the Philadelphia Phillies. He had previously pitched in the MLB with the Yankees in 2019 when the Braves gave up two runs in the series finale. After Charlie Culberson, Ford was the first-position player to pitch for the Braves. On July 4, he was optioned back to Gwinnett; however, on July 8, he was called up. On July 11, nevertheless, Ford was optioned back to Gwinnett without playing. He was assigned on August 10 and then freed.

Los Angeles Angels (2022) 

After that, on August 25, he was called up by the Angels and signed a minor contract with them. He ultimately made four teams in his senior year. 

Seattle Mariners (third stint) (2023)

Mike Ford signed a minor league deal with the Seattle Mariners on January 13, 2023, and he started the season with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. Enraged by not getting called up, Ford chose to opt out of his deal on June 1st, giving Seattle 48 hours to sign him to a Major League contract or he would become a free agent. He therefore turned into a possible contender for KBO League teams, which had previously expressed interest in him. However, Seattle added him to their roster just before the deadline. 

Ford batted eighth in his designated hitter debut on June 3 against the Texas Rangers. Despite the team’s struggles, he went 1-for-3 with a strikeout, recording his first MLB hit of the year. He was still making an impact in the major leagues. Despite maintaining a poor batting average, he was often employed as a pinch hitter and had a propensity for clutch hits. He had a terrific game on July 4, his birthday, going 4-for-5 with a home run. He had a fantastic game on July 4, his birthday, going 4-for-5 with a home run.

Despite his success, Ford declined an outright assignment to Louisville and elected to become a free agent.

Cincinnati Reds (2024)

Mike Ford signed a minor league deal with the Cincinnati Reds before to the 2024 season, but he opted out on May 1. On May 8, he subsequently signed a major league deal. Ford was placed on the roster for assignment on May 29 in order to create way for TJ Friedl, who had returned off a 10-day disabled list, after going 9-for-60 with one home run in 17 games. Ford was no longer a restricted free agent as a result.

Yokohama DeNA BayStars (2024–present)

Mike Ford was often connected to Yokohama once he became a free agent, and on July 5 he finally signed a deal with the team.

Yakyu Cosmopolitan on X: “Mike Ford has been unleashed! His 1st career NPB hit is a big home run 🌈 https://t.co/D0MmmGRHta” / X

Mike Ford’s journey through professional baseball is a testament to his perseverance and adaptability. From his early days at Princeton University to navigating the challenges of the minor leagues and making his mark in MLB, Ford has consistently demonstrated his determination to succeed. Despite setbacks and roster changes, he has continued to find opportunities to showcase his talent. Now with his move to Yokohama, Ford is set to begin an exciting new chapter in his career, proving that his love for the game and commitment to improvement are unwavering.