Nationals Face Rapid-Fire Harry Ford Conundrum

Young catcher must balance getting to know Nationals pitchers and playing for Team Great Britain in WBC

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The Washington Nationals acquired young catcher Harry Ford from the Seattle Mariners this offseason, but Ford's participation in the World Baseball Classic for Team Great Britain could complicate his efforts to build relationships with the Nationals' pitching staff and compete for playing time with established catcher Keibert Ruiz.

Why it matters

The Nationals are hoping Ford and Ruiz can form a strong catching duo, but Ford's WBC commitment means he'll have limited time to get acclimated with the Nationals' pitchers before the start of the season, which could impact his chances of winning the starting job.

The details

Ford, 22, was acquired by the Nationals in a trade that sent reliever Jose Ferrer to the Seattle Mariners. In Seattle, Ford was blocked by Cal Raleigh, but in Washington he could push Ruiz, who has six years of MLB experience compared to Ford's eight games. However, Ford will be leaving the Nationals to play for Team Great Britain in the WBC, meaning he'll have less time to build relationships with the Nationals' pitching staff during spring training.

  • The Nationals acquired Ford from the Mariners this offseason.
  • Ford will be departing the Nationals to play for Team Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic.

The players

Harry Ford

A 22-year-old catcher acquired by the Washington Nationals from the Seattle Mariners this offseason, who will be playing for Team Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic.

Keibert Ruiz

The Nationals' established starting catcher, who has six years of Major League experience.

Cal Raleigh

The Seattle Mariners' starting catcher, who blocked Ford's path to playing time in Seattle.

Jose Ferrer

A reliever traded by the Nationals to the Mariners in the deal that brought Ford to Washington.

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What they’re saying

“Ruiz has six years of Major League experience compared to Ford's eight games, but Ruiz's workload will be closely watched after he dealt with concussions last season.”

— Jessica Camerato, MLB.com writer (MLB.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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