The Cincinnati Reds have finalized a major league contract with first baseman/designated hitter Mike Ford, as reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Ford, represented by ZS Sports, will officially join the big league roster on Wednesday pending the team’s announcement, which requires opening a spot on the 40-man roster.
This marks Ford’s third signing with the Reds in less than three months, having previously inked and opted out of a pair of minor league contracts. Despite the option to add Ford to the major league roster when he triggered his opt-out clause last Friday, the Reds chose to let him explore free agency, showcasing their interest in the player and readiness to match or exceed any competing offers.
The 31-year-old impressed during spring training with a remarkable .455/.486/.727 batting line, including three home runs in 31 plate appearances. He continued his strong performance into the season with a robust .297/.381/.538 slash in his first 105 Triple-A plate appearances, demonstrating improved strikeout and walk rates of 19.4% and 11.4%, respectively, during his tenure with Louisville.
Ford’s recent success follows a productive stint with the 2023 Mariners, where he posted a .228/.323/.475 slash line with 16 home runs and a 9.6% walk rate, albeit accompanied by a high 32.3% strikeout rate. Throughout his career, Ford has showcased power against both left- and right-handed pitchers, maintaining a career .211/.309/.418 batting line in 719 big league plate appearances.
The addition of Ford comes at a critical juncture for the Reds, with first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand struggling and fellow left-handed DH option Nick Martini already demoted to the minors. Encarnacion-Strand’s offensive struggles, highlighted by a .190/.220/.293 slash line and concerning strikeout and walk rates, have opened the door for Ford to potentially provide stability at first base or serve as a regular option in the DH role.
With Ford’s arrival, the Reds have the flexibility to deploy him as a left-handed alternative at first base or as a consistent presence in the DH position. One potential lineup adjustment could involve optioning struggling outfielder Will Benson and fielding a regular outfield trio of Spencer Steer, TJ Friedl, and Jake Fraley to optimize offensive production.
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