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Mariners Land LHP José A. Ferrer From Nationals in Deal for Top Prospect Harry Ford

The trade underscores Seattle prioritizing immediate bullpen help over keeping its top catching prospect.

Overview

  • The finalized swap sends Ferrer to Seattle with club control through 2029, while Washington receives catcher Harry Ford and right-hander Isaac Lyon.
  • Ferrer, 25, brings a 97.7 mph fastball, a 99th-percentile ground-ball rate, and a 95th-percentile walk rate, with a 2025 ERA of 4.48 but a 3.03 FIP indicating stronger underlying performance.
  • Ford, 22, ranked No. 42 by MLB Pipeline, hit .283 with an .868 OPS and 16 homers at Triple-A in 2025 and was blocked in Seattle by All-Star Cal Raleigh.
  • Washington addresses a glaring weakness at catcher and raises questions about Keibert Ruiz’s role after two down seasons, adding Ford as a potential near-term starter.
  • The move arrives on the eve of the Winter Meetings and marks Paul Toboni’s first major transaction leading the Nationals’ baseball operations.