Prospect expert has a reason for Mariners to trade Harry Ford 'in a heartbeat'

One of the biggest storylines for the 2025 Seattle Mariners farm system revolves around catching prospect Harry Ford. How can the Mariners handle his progression through the minor leagues? Can they find big league at-bats for him? Or will they find a trade partner at the deadline?

The dilemma has stemmed from Cal Raleigh. Raleigh, of course, is having a historic season from behind the plate, and it feels like Ford would not get enough at-bats if he were to be called up. Instead, he has remained in Triple-A, where he has been among the best minor league catchers in baseball. He's posted a .307 batting average and .894 OPS with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers.

The Mariners may have one very good reason to trade Harry Ford

While it feels like the Mariners should be able to find a place for him soon on the big league roster, Keith Law has other ideas. The Athletic writer pitched the idea to 710 Seattle Sports that Ford should be traded at the deadline.

"I would trade him in a heartbeat, because I don’t think [him being a catcher is] a lock,” Law said. “I think there’s a better chance that he’s not a catcher than that he is a catcher."

It is unclear why Law does not think Ford can stick at catcher. MLB Pipeline gives him an arm and field grading of 50, which is perfectly acceptable for a catcher. The Mariners actually tried him out in left field last year in Double-A and decided they preferred him as a backstop.

While Law's reasoning for why he wants to trade Ford does not make much sense, there is a good chance the Mariners do so. With Ford blocked by Raleigh at his natural position, it feels like he would be more valuable to the Mariners as a trade chip to upgrade another area of the lineup, such as third base or first base.