How does Harry Ford impact the future outlook of Keibert Ruiz with the Nationals?

When the Nationals traded relief pitcher Jose A. Ferrer to acquire catching prospect Harry Ford from the Mariners, it sent shockwaves across the baseball community. Although Ferrer appeared to be a potential breakout candidate out of the bullpen, Ford provides much-needed upside to a position at which Washington has been among the league's worst over the past couple years.

With that said, there has been some belief that incumbent backstop Keibert Ruiz might be able to bounce back due to coaching changes that have been made this offseason. It's clear that the Nationals aren't counting on Ruiz reaching the potential the Nationals thought he had when they acquired him from the Dodgers in 2021, but it wouldn't be shocking if we haven't seen the best of him yet.

Does the addition of Ford mean Ruiz's time in Washington is effectively over?

First and foremost, this depends on whether the Nationals believe Harry Ford is ready for the major leagues. There's no reason to believe MLB Pipeline's No. 42 overall prospect needs much - if any - more time in Triple-A, but it wouldn't be inconceivable if he spends at least the first few weeks of the season in Rochester.

Ford had a very successful season in Triple-A last year, batting .283 with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs. He has also been praised for his outstanding plate discipline, which he showcased by drawing 74 walks this year, and as many as 103 free passes in High-A in 2023. Ford arguably earned a closer look in the majors, but he was stuck behind perhaps the best catcher in the league (Cal Raleigh).

Keibert Ruiz has become essentially the opposite of Ford. Washington hasn't had a true answer at catcher recently, which has afforded Ruiz a very long leash of opportunity. He was once considered a similarly highly-regarded prospect, but this potential has yet to manifest itself substantially in the big leagues - and the data is trending in the wrong direction. Compared to Ford's patience, Ruiz has always been a free swinger who's great at making contact, but often weak contact that he would be better off not making.

It's clear that Ford is the focus of long-term plans in Washington, but that doesn't mean immediately. In what will likely be another losing season, there is no rush to get high-upside players to the big leagues before they're 100% ready. There's also no need to trade Ruiz immediately. His trade value likely can't get any lower than it is currently, and depending on who and how many hitters are added to the lineup, there may be room to play one member of the catching duo at designated hitter semi-regularly in the near future.

Now that there are finally new voices on the coaching staff, it may not be wise to move on from a player like Ruiz without at least a quick trial run this regular season. It's possible that new catching coach Bobby Wilson and hitting coach Matt Borgschulte may be able to unlock a version of Ruiz that we haven't seen yet

The trade for Harry Ford was absolutely worthwhile, but that might not mean Keibert Ruiz is heading to the bench or a new team right away.

What do you think? is the future now when it comes to the catcher position? Do you think we could or should still see some more Keibert Ruiz? Does he have more ability that new coaches may be able to help him tap into? Let me know your thoughts @stephen_newman1.