No. 1 prospect Ford already impressing at camp

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Harry Ford listened intently after catching a bullpen over the weekend, soaking up the knowledge of a mentee who three years ago was essentially in the same spot of his career trajectory. Cal Raleigh, now firmly Seattle’s starting backstop, was dishing insights on what he learned during his first big league camp.

“It's just really like, recognizing the difference between what a Major Leaguer looks like and ... a beginner like me,” Ford said. “And so for me, it's my first time out there. I don't really know what I'm doing a lot. So he's just kind of given me a lot of pointers about what he wished that he knew coming into it.”

These meetings, along with veteran Tom Murphy, begin before sunrise in the weight room, where catchers arrive first. Ford turns 20 on Tuesday, but he’s already touted among the most athletic in the system.

“I'm always trying to be the strongest one out there,” Ford said, smiling.

Ranked the Mariners’ No. 1 prospect and MLB Pipeline’s No. 49 overall, Ford won’t reach the Majors this season. But an aggressive climb -- potentially as high as Double-A Arkansas if he matches his 2022 production -- isn’t out of the realm of possibility. And at that point, he’d be only a phone call away.

Yet the next few weeks could be a huge launching point for his already advanced baseball IQ. Beyond his first Cactus League at-bats, Ford will play for Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic -- by virtue of both his parents being born there -- and will begin in Pool C in Phoenix against the U.S., Mexico, Colombia and Canada.

He’ll quite literally be gamecalling against Team USA All-Stars Mike Trout, JT Realmuto and his childhood icon, Freddie Freeman, whom he grew up cheering for as an Atlanta-area native. Even if it’s just passing moments, Ford plans to be a sponge around MLB talent before returning to the Minors for the regular season.

“Extremely valuable,” Ford said of the opportunity. “I think there's nothing better than just seeing the guys who do it the best at a young age. And that's why I'm really thankful to just be in this position. ... For me being this young, I just think it's like my mind is still developing.”

Ford’s commentary underscores his self-awareness and advanced acumen for his age. He’s also shown maturity beyond his years for his charitable efforts. That blend of philanthropy and on-field production led to him winning the 2022 Alvin Davis “Mr. Mariner” Award, given annually to the Minor Leaguer who best represents exemplary play and leadership skills at the ballpark and in the community.

Ford slashed .274/.425/.438 (.863 OPS) with 11 homers, 23 doubles, four triples, 65 RBIs and 23 stolen bases in 104 games. Yet, he overcame a slow start, slashing .209/.370/.291 (.661 OPS) from April-May before making a massive turn from June on, when he hit .300/.446/.496 (.942 OPS). He credited Modesto coaches Michael Fransoso and Ryan Scott for instilling confidence.

“Honestly, I just wasn't comfortable yet,” Ford said. “I didn't know how to live on my own. I was kind of just nervous every day being around some of the older guys and stuff. I just didn't feel like myself. ... They helped me the most, just brought that out of me and just allowed me to be me and just helped me figure out what I've got to do to be me. And so once I got a little spark, I just flew from there.”

That turnaround is a big reason why he’s so comfortable in his own skin. Mariners manager Scott Servais noted the impression Ford had this offseason on pitching coach Pete Woodworth and director of pitching strategy Trent Blank during the club’s “Game Calling University” for Seattle’s catchers up and down the system, including Raleigh and Murphy.

“Now you’re two or three calls in it, and Harry's asking questions on the call,” Servais said. “That's invaluable. I can't imagine being a 20-year-old kid and having that kind of exposure and getting those experiences in a very controlled, relaxed setting.”

Added Ford: “It is really intimidating sometimes being with dudes who've got like five years of service time and, like, have just been doing this for a long time. But they accept me. They want me to be me and to even help them out too sometimes.”