First baseman Mike Ford has decided to elect free agency rather than accept an outright assignment with the Cincinnati Reds. The 31-year-old infielder was designated for assignment earlier this week but passed through waivers unclaimed.
Ford has shown his potential as a power hitter despite his career being characterized by inconsistencies at the plate. He has had an on-and-off relationship with the Reds this year, signing two minor league deals, both of which he opted out of, as well as a major league deal.
Around those transactions, Ford slashed .455/.486/.727 in spring training and .297/.381/.538 in Triple-A. But once he cracked the Cincinnati roster, Ford’s production took a significant hit. He was batting .150/.177/.233 with a homer and a triple in 62 plate appearances before he was cut.
From the Reds: Mike Ford who was outrighted to AAA Louisville, has informed the Reds that he will elect free agency instead of accepting an outright assignment.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) May 31, 2024
Drafted by the New York Yankees in 2013, Ford has been bouncing around the majors for the past two years. He has hit .205/.298/.402 with 37 homers and 89 RBI since making his MLB debut in 2019.
Reds First Baseman Mike Ford Elects Free Agency Over Triple-A
Mike Ford has often found himself shuttling between the majors and the minors in his six-year career. However, the 31-year-old has struggled to maintain consistency at the major league level. Despite his disappointing numbers, Ford’s track record offers glimpses of his potential. Just last year, he had his best showing in the majors, hitting 16 homers through 84 games with the Seattle Mariners. Despite his performance last season, Seattle non-tendered Ford, leading to his on-and-off relationship with the Reds.
Instead of accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A Louisville after clearing waivers, Ford will forgo the remainder of his salary and will enter free agency. A left-handed hitter, Ford has good splits against right-handed pitching and could be an interesting bench addition. Perhaps another team will take a chance on the veteran first baseman, hoping to unlock more consistent production. Or maybe Mike Ford will find his way back to the Reds and continue their on-and-off relationship.
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