(WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) — The Washington Nationals made a key roster move this afternoon, optioning No. 3 prospect Harry Ford to Triple-A Rochester to get regular playing time as the team finalizes its 2026 Opening Day roster. The move helps clarify the Nationals’ catcher depth chart heading into the new season.
Harry Ford, ranked No. 71 overall by MLB Pipeline, will join the Rochester Red Wings after competing for a spot behind the plate this spring. The 23-year-old catcher, acquired from the Seattle Mariners in December for left-hander José A. Ferrer, remains one of Washington’s most promising young players and a key part of the organization’s future.
Nationals manager Blake Butera emphasized that the move was about Ford’s development, not performance. “Harry is a huge part of our future,” Butera said. “He’s going to get everyday reps at Triple-A, and when he’s ready, he’ll be back.”
With Keibert Ruiz healthy after battling concussions last season, the Nationals plan to carry Ruiz and Drew Millas as their big-league catchers. Riley Adams was also reassigned to Minor League camp. Ford’s opportunity in the minors will allow him to gain consistent at-bats and continue developing his game-calling and defensive skills.
“As a catcher, there’s so much that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet — handling a pitching staff, calling games, blocking, receiving,” Butera noted. “We told Harry there’s no timetable. Go down there, dominate, and force our hand.”
Ford will begin the season catching an experienced Rochester staff that includes pitchers with Major League experience such as Mitchell Parker and Andrew Alvarez. The Nationals have emphasized close coordination between their big-league and Triple-A staffs to ensure consistent development across levels.
Ford has shown strong leadership traits dating back to his time with Team Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic, where he earned praise for his preparation and in-game awareness.
Meanwhile, Ruiz has impressed the Nationals’ coaching staff this spring and is on track to open the season as the team’s starting catcher. “The biggest thing for Keibert was health and earning his role,” Butera said. “He’s done that.”
With the catcher picture now coming into focus, the Nationals move one step closer to setting their Opening Day roster as the club continues preparations for an exciting 2026 season.