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Pittsburgh Pirates: Three First Base Options in Free Agency (And One via Trade!)
By Jeffrey Cupp
Mike Ford
Mike Ford is a left-handed hitter who spent this past season with the Seattle Mariners. He hit .228/.323/.475 (123 wRC+) with 16 home runs in 251 plate appearances last season before being non-tendered by the Mariners. He primarily was the DH for the Mariners, seeing only 54 innings there this season, but is capable enough for the position.
Ford has power that the Pirates desperately lack, cracking 16 homers in just 251 PA last season, barreling the ball at a 17.3% rate which would be among the best of qualified hitters. He did his damage all against right-handed pitching and producing a 117 wRC+ against those pitchers. He's fared well against left-handed pitching in his career as well, producing a 147 wRC+ in 108 career PAs.
Ford gives the Pirates both an option at first base and at DH and would be a great platoon partner for Connor Joe at first base. He's one of the more inexpensive bats in this free agent class but one with enough impact power to make the move work out for the Pirates. He should only cost around $3M in free agency.