Breaking: Cincinnati Reds Lose Another Experienced Star…

Mike Ford Declines Minor League Assignment, Becomes Free Agent!

The Cincinnati Reds and Mike Ford have parted ways once again. After signing Ford to a major league contract earlier this month—following a brief stint as a free agent—the Reds placed Ford on their big league roster. However, over the course of three weeks, Ford struggled at the plate, leading to his designation for assignment last week. He cleared waivers today, and the Reds attempted to outright him to the minors. Ford, however, chose to decline and re-enter free agency.

Initially signed to a minor league deal in the offseason, Ford was seen as potential depth for the Reds, possibly filling in at first base or designated hitter. Coming off a 16-home run season with Seattle in just 83 games, Ford showed promise. Despite a strong spring training performance, where he hit .455/.486/.727, he did not make the Reds’ opening day roster and opted to become a free agent.

Ford re-signed with the Reds on March 29th and impressed at Triple-A Louisville, hitting .297/.381/.539 through the end of April. With another free agency option in his contract if not promoted, Ford informed the Reds of his intention to exercise it. The Reds did not promote him, and Ford once again became a free agent. Shortly thereafter, an injury to Christian Encarnacion-Strand led the Reds to sign Ford to a major league deal.

Despite not being initially considered good enough for the major league roster, Ford found himself batting 3rd or 4th in the lineup for eight of his 15 starts. Unfortunately, his performance did not improve, and he hit just .150/.177/.233 with a triple and a home run before being designated for assignment.

Ford’s departure leaves a gap in the Reds’ roster as they continue to search for consistency and depth.