Mariners: Recap of picks in 2022 MLB draft

Walter Ford, RHP, 74th overall (Competitive Balance Round B) Bats – RH, Throws – RH

At 17-year’s old, Walter Ford was one of the youngest prospects in this year’s draft. Also ranked as the 53rd-best prospect by MLB.com, the Mariners did well to get him, helped by some questions about his pitching command.

Still in high school, Ford is already 6-foot-3 and in time will bulk up from his current weight of 185 pounds. His fastball averages in the low-90s but can reach 96 mph, while he has a decent low-80s slider.

This past season saw the youngster’s best form yet, going 10-2 in 12 starts, recording a 1.00 ERA and 126 strikeouts in 70.1 innings at Pace High School in Florida. He was originally slated to be a 2023 draft pick, but reclassified to the 2022 draft. 

• Exploring Jadarian Price’s Impact on Seahawks’ Offense
• Seattle Storm’s Preseason Breakdown: Stats and Highlights
• Mariners complete strong road trip but Matt Brash causes concern
• Key Takeaways from Seattle Storm’s Thrilling Preseason Match
• FIFA Empowers Afghan Women Footballers with Historic Regulation Change

Ford was selected to be part of USA Baseball’s 18U National Team in 2021 and committed to play at the University of Alabama as a pitcher and an infielder. He previously attended Hoover High School during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, helping the team reach the state title game.

While speaking to the media following his selection, he was asked to provide a breakdown of his slider. He said:

“My slider is the same grip, the same pitch; it’s just about how I throw it. I have a slider that starts outside the zone and gets in the zone and a slider (which does the opposite). I use those to my advantage. (For example) guys who are being aggressive, I throw the one that starts in the zone and then gets out the zone pretty quick.”

NEXT: REVIEW OF PICKS FROM ROUNDS 3-10