Mariners Acquire Reliever Jose Ferrer in Exchange for Catching Prospect Harry Ford

The Seattle Mariners made a significant roster move on Saturday, acquiring left-handed reliever Jose Ferrer from the Washington Nationals in a three-player trade. In return, Seattle sent highly regarded catching prospect Harry Ford and minor league right-hander Isaac Lyon to Washington.

The trade comes as the Mariners prepare for the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida, and look to build on their 2025 season when they captured the AL West title for the first time since 2001 and advanced to the American League Championship Series.

Ferrer, 25, adds a high-velocity arm to Seattle’s bullpen, joining veteran Gabe Speier and complementing closer Andres Munoz. He brings experience and durability, having pitched 72 games in 2025 with a 4.48 ERA, 71 strikeouts, and only 16 walks across 76⅓ innings.

The left-hander is particularly effective against left-handed hitters, holding them to a .186 average and a .521 OPS while striking out 26 of 110 batters faced. Ferrer also set career highs with 11 saves and 21 holds and remains under team control through 2029, with arbitration eligibility in 2027.

1. Ferrer’s Impact on Seattle

Jose Ferrer provides the Mariners with a proven late-inning option to complement their strong bullpen core. His 97.7 mph fastball and 64.3% ground-ball rate ranked among the best in MLB last season, offering Seattle a reliable matchup weapon against left-handed hitters. His addition allows the Mariners to manage bullpen workloads more efficiently, providing flexibility in high-leverage situations. Ferrer’s experience in over 70 games last season demonstrates both durability and consistency, critical attributes for a team aiming to repeat as division champions. The veteran reliever joins a bullpen featuring Gabe Speier and closer Andres Munoz, enhancing Seattle’s late-inning depth. His presence may also allow younger arms to develop without being overextended in critical situations. Ferrer’s long-term control through 2029 ensures Seattle secures a cost-effective bullpen asset, providing value beyond the immediate season while maintaining financial flexibility for future roster moves.

2. Nationals Gain Prospects

In exchange, the Nationals acquire two players with potential upside. Harry Ford, 22, was a first-round pick in 2021 and ranked 42nd in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects. He spent most of 2025 with Triple-A Tacoma, hitting .283/.408/.460 with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs in 97 games. Ford made his MLB debut in September, recording 1-for-6 across eight appearances. While he has a strong bat and on-base skills, All-Star catcher Cal Raleigh blocks his path to everyday playing time in Seattle, making him a tradable asset. Minor league right-hander Isaac Lyon, 21, also heads to Washington. Drafted in the 10th round out of Grand Canyon University, Lyon made four starts with Low-A Modesto in 2025, allowing 10 runs over 12⅓ innings. Lyon, the son of former major leaguer Brandon Lyon, remains a developmental project. For the Nationals, the trade addresses a glaring need behind the plate. Washington’s catching corps ranked near the bottom of MLB in offensive metrics in 2025, with fWAR, wRC+, and OPS all ranking in the league’s bottom three. Acquiring Ford strengthens their long-term outlook at a key position.

3. Strategic Outlook for Both Teams

The trade reflects each team’s priorities: Seattle seeks to reinforce a championship-contending bullpen, while Washington looks to build depth and potential at catcher and pitching. For the Mariners, Ferrer’s acquisition provides immediate postseason value, enhancing late-inning options and matchups against left-handed hitters. His presence may be the final piece for a bullpen that already contributed significantly in 2025. For the Nationals, Ford and Lyon offer future upside, helping to rebuild areas of need after a 66-96 season. The trade emphasizes long-term player development over immediate impact. As both teams head into the Winter Meetings, this deal signals strategic intent: Seattle pursues short-term contention with a fortified bullpen, while Washington focuses on replenishing its farm system and planning for future competitiveness.