Mike Ford signs with Japan's BayStars

Field Level Media|published: Fri 5th July, 12:12 2024

May 21, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Mike Ford (38) reacts after striking out in the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

First baseman and designated hitter Mike Ford has signed a contract for the 2024 season with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, the team announced Friday.

Ford, 32, originally was signed by the New York Yankees as an undrafted free agent in 2013 and made a splash when he reached the big leagues in 2019. He knocked out 12 home runs and put up a .909 OPS in 50 games that year and made the opening day roster the following season.

However, his performance then dipped, and he was never able to bring his numbers back up to those levels. After he hit .134 across 51 games from 2020-21, the Yankees designated him for assignment in June 2021.

Ford bounced around after that, making appearances with the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels and Cincinnati Reds.

In 2023, he saw a return to some success in a second stint with the Mariners, hitting 16 home runs with 34 RBI and a .798 OPS in 83 games from June to October. However, the Mariners let him go after the season.

When the Reds designated him for assignment in late May, Ford elected free agency rather than a return to the minors.

Over 251 career games, Ford averaged .205 with 37 home runs and 89 RBIs.

--Field Level Media

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