Three years ago, Harry Ford represented Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic. Earlier this month, he announced that he will play for his native country again in 2026.
As it stands, Ford finds himself in competition with Keibert Ruiz for the starting catcher spot in Washington. On one hand, participating in this tournament means Ford won't be present for a period of Spring Training for the Nationals. However, he could greatly benefit from playing in a more competitive environment and in a bigger spotlight, where he could make a major name for himself.
When Ford played in the WBC three years ago, he was only 20 years old, but he made a big splash. In just 4 games and 15 plate appearances, Ford posted a .308/.400/.846 slash line with 2 home runs, 4 RBIs, and 2 walks. If he could repeat this type of performance as his debut as a full-time major leaguer approaches, the level of intrigue surrounding him as a prospect would only increase.
A Knight and his kingdom. 👑
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 13, 2023
Harry Ford gives Great Britain some insurance. #WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/KAVNmP85Fi
Ford was recently named MLB Pipeline's no. 9 prospect at the catcher position, joining Eli Willits (shortstop) and Travis Sykora (right-handed pitcher) as top 10 prospects at their respective positions. Unlike the other two, Ford is on the precipice of becoming a major league mainstay.
Ford hasn't had an opportunity to showcase his ability much at the major league level. He played in only 8 games for the Mariners last year, as he was stuck behind superstar Cal Raleigh at his position. Ford has been great in the minor leagues, but he hasn't gotten many chances to prove himself on a bigger stage.
There aren't any other known WBC roster commitments for the Nationals at this time. That puts Ford in a position to have a more noteworthy March than anyone else on Washington's roster. As I stated last month, it wouldn't be surprising if Ruiz opens the season as Washington's starting catcher, with Ford beginning the year at Triple-A Rochester. However, with another impressive showing at the WBC, the Nationals may have no choice but to name Ford their top catcher.
Harry Ford is heading back to the #WorldBaseballClassic!@MLBPipeline’s No. 3 catching prospect will once again play for Team Great Britain 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/8pQ8NFsgvc
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) January 12, 2026
The World Baseball Classic begins March 5. Team Great Britain is competing in Pool B at Daikin Park in Houston against Teams Brazil, Italy, Mexico and USA. Great Britain will play its first game of Classic Pool Play on March 6 vs. Team Mexico.
What do you think about Ford playing in the WBC? Do you think he'll repeat the dominant performance he had in 2023, giving us a tease of what's to come for him in Washington? Let me know your thoughts @stephen_newman1 on X.