The Washington Nationals drew a pair of selections in next month's World Baseball Classic, including possible starting catcher Harry Ford
The Washington Nationals drew a pair of selections in the upcoming World Baseball Classic set to begin next month, headlined by offseason acquisition - and possibly new starting catcher - in Harry Ford.
Catcher Harry Ford was previously announced as set to team up with Great Britain in next month's event, while he was named co-captain earlier this week alongside New York Yankees outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr.
“It 100% is a big thing for me,” Ford previously said about the chance to suit up for Great Britain. “We talk all the time about how we're always trying to grow the game and give people opportunities to play who don't have that chance. And that's a lot of kids here. A lot of kids are out here that – no matter how much they love baseball – they just can't play or don't have the means to train and get better.”
Ford will then shift his attention to Washington where he will look to compete against veteran Keibert Ruiz, who was limited to under 70 games last season after battling concussions. The addition of Ford also gave the Nationals a fourth top-100 prospect this offseason, but he joins Abimelec Ortiz as possible pieces who can make an impact on the 2026 roster.
“He’s an unbelievable kid,” Toboni said following the trade. “Dating back to high school, I got to know him really well then. He’s a stud athlete. There aren’t many catchers around the game that have this type of athleticism. Thirdly, he’s still really young … he’s still very much developing. I don’t think he’s close to what his potential might be.”
Great Britain is in Pool B alongside Brazil, Italy, Mexico and America and will face the Milwaukee Brewers in an exhibition game on March 4 at 3:10 PM. They will then face Mexico on March 6, USA on March 7, Italy on March 8 and Brazil on March 9.
Ford will serve as one of two Nationals in the event with first baseman Matt Mervis set to play for Israel in the World Baseball Classic.
Mervis arrived with the organization after agreeing to a minor league deal back on Christmas Eve where he drew an invite to spring training. The signing also marks a homecoming for Mervis, who grew up in Washington DC and attended Georgetown Prep before heading to Duke then signing with the Chicago Cubs as an undrafted free agent in 2020.
This also marks Mervis' second appearance after also suiting up in the 2023 World Baseball Classic where he posted one hit and five strikeouts in 13 at-bats, posting a .077 batting average in his debut.
Israel is in Pool D alongside the Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Nicaragua and Venezuela and will face the New York Mets in an exhibition game on March 4.
The top two teams from each pool will advance to the quarterfinals in either Miami or Houston with the final two rounds set in Miami and the championship game set for March 17.