Welcome to the latest edition of the Nationals Beat newsletter. This is your stop for the latest on and off the field, from news to exclusive player interviews and insights, brought to you by MLB.com club reporter Jessica Camerato. |
Ford was acquired from the Mariners on Dec. 6 in exchange for reliever Jose A. Ferrer. The WBC runs in March during Ford’s first Spring Training with the Nats, where he will be competing for the starting role. Ford, who grew up in Atlanta and was drafted out of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Ga., in the first round in 2021, holds dual citizenship because his parents were born in Great Britain. Ford spoke last month during his introductory video conference call – which he did from Great Britain during a family holiday trip – about how he has been looking forward to the global tournament. “It 100% is a big thing for me,” Ford said. “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.” |
As a 19-year-old playing at the Single-A level with the Mariners, Ford showcased his skills on the global stage in the 2022 Regensburg Qualifiers to help Great Britain earn its first WBC appearance. Three years ago in the WBC, Ford slashed .308/.400/.846 with a 1.246 OPS. He connected on two home runs, four doubles and three runs scored in Great Britain’s four games. “It was really cool getting to be on the first Great Britain team to make it to the WBC and win a game,” Ford said. 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. “That's definitely something I am passionate about: growing that here [in Great Britain] and giving kids a chance somehow, some way,” Ford said. “I don't have that completely mapped out yet what that looks like, but it is something that I am committed to seeing through.” |
During the 2023 WBC, Nationals players who participated included Joey Meneses – who hit two home runs in a win over Team USA – with Team Mexico and Alberto Baldonado with Team Panama. Manager Blake Butera, who worked in the Rays’ system at the time, was the bench coach for Team Italy on Mike Piazza’s staff in that tournament. |
MLB MORNING LINEUP PODCAST |
INTERNATIONAL SIGNING PERIOD OPENS |
The 2026 international signing period begins today, when the Nationals will look to add to their organizational talent. Last year, the Nats’ class was headlined by then-17-year-old shortstop Brayan Cortesia, who signed a deal worth $1.92 million. Cortesia was ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 14 international prospect at the time. He is currently ranked as the Nationals’ No. 24 prospect. |
Ahead of the signing period, MLB Pipeline ranked the top international prospect in every organization. For the Nationals, it selected right-hander Jarlin Susana, ranked as the club’s No. 4 prospect and MLB’s No. 87 overall. Susana was signed by the Padres in the 2022 international class as a 17-year-old hurler. The Nats acquired him that year in the blockbuster Juan Soto trade. |
MLB Pipeline wrote: “The January 2022 signee out of the Dominican Republic has long been a prospect famous for his high-octane fastball, a heater that ran up to 103 mph in 2025, but his 85-88 mph gyro slider is even better at missing bats, with a 58 percent whiff rate between High-A and Double-A last season (per Synergy). Walks continue to be an issue for the 6-foot-6 righty, and he’s currently on the mend from September lat surgery -- two issues that won’t help him fend off the belief in some circles that he’s a future closer (albeit a dominant one). Susana is still only entering his age-22 season.” |
NATIONALS.TV ANNOUNCED FOR 2026 SEASON |
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