Mariners Acquire Jose Ferrer from Nationals for Harry Ford

The Seattle Mariners have acquired left-handed pitcher Jose A. Ferrer from the Washington Nationals in exchange for catcher Harry Ford and minor league right-hander Isaac Lyon. This trade, announced on Saturday, significantly impacts both teams’ rosters and future strategies.

Ferrer, 25, will enhance the Mariners' bullpen, joining fellow left-hander Gabe Speier. He had a 4.83 ERA in 72 appearances last season, but advanced metrics show a 3.03 FIP, indicating he was unlucky, and he boasts a strikeout rate in the 95th percentile and a ground ball rate in the 99th percentile.

Ferrer stepped up as the Nationals' closer after Kyle Finnegan was traded, recording 11 saves over the final months of the season. On the other side, the Nationals gain Harry Ford, the Mariners' top catching prospect, who was selected 12th overall in the 2021 draft.

Ford, 22, batted .283 with 16 home runs and an .868 OPS in 97 Triple-A games last season. Despite his potential, Ford's path to the majors was blocked by Cal Raleigh, prompting the Mariners to trade him.

Ford was ranked as the third-best catching prospect and 42nd overall by MLB Pipeline. The Nationals' catchers struggled last season, ranking last in fWAR and OPS, making Ford a valuable addition to a position in need of a boost.

Isaac Lyon, the third player in this trade, is a 21-year-old righty who posted a 7.30 ERA in 4 appearances at Low-A last season. This trade reflects both teams' strategic moves as they look toward their futures.