The Nationals will call up Harry Ford, their top catching prospect, after the All-Star break, a source confirmed to The Banner.

Starting catcher Drew Millas went on the 10-day injured list Wednesday (retroactive to Sunday) with a fractured left index finger, opening up an opportunity for Ford. The Nationals acquired Ford from the Seattle Mariners this past offseason for left-handed reliever José A. Ferrer.

Ford, the No. 12 pick in the 2021 MLB draft, was blocked in Seattle by All-Star Cal Raleigh, which prompted the trade to the Nationals, who were starving for production from behind the dish. In 2025, Nationals catchers ranked 29th in WAR (-1.2) and 20th in batting average (.227).

Ford has struggled on the field and at the plate in Triple-A. At the end of April, he had a .531 OPS. After his struggles continued in May (.604 OPS), the 23-year-old showed his best form in June with an .841 OPS. He began hitting for more power and showing the talent that made him a top prospect.

Millas doesn’t provide much offensive value (.539 OPS), but he’s been valuable as a receiver and through his work with the pitching staff. The trade for Ford was one of the biggest moves of the offseason for president of baseball operations Paul Toboni. Ford figures to be a long-term fixture at catcher for the organization, and this will be his first shot with the Nationals.