The association between the Cincinnati Reds and Mike Ford has ended, at least for the time being, marking yet another chapter in their ongoing relationship.
Initially signed to a major league contract earlier in the month following a decision to grant him free agency, Ford was added to the big league roster by Cincinnati. However, over the subsequent three weeks, he struggled at the plate, leading to his designation for assignment this past week.
Today, after clearing waivers, the Reds outrighted him to the minor leagues, but Ford exercised his right to decline and became a free agent.
When Mike Ford joined the Reds on a minor league deal during the offseason, he was seen as additional depth with a possibility of making the team as a bench player, capable of filling in at first base or designated hitter. Coming off a season with 16 home runs for Seattle in just 83 games, Ford did not secure a roster spot out of spring training despite an impressive .455/.486/.727 batting line. He then exercised the free agency option in his contract.
After exploring other options, Ford re-signed with the Reds on March 29th. His performance with Triple-A Louisville, batting .297/.381/.539 by the end of April, was notable. Once again, he had the opportunity to become a free agent if not promoted to the big league roster, which he exercised when the Reds didn’t call him up. Shortly after, with Christian Encarnacion-Strand on the injured list, Ford was signed to a major league deal.
Despite initially not making the cut until Encarnacion-Strand’s injury, Ford found himself batting third or fourth in the Reds lineup for eight of his 15 starts. However, he struggled to find his rhythm at the plate, posting a mere .150/.177/.233 with one triple and one home run before being designated for assignment.
Leave a Reply