New York Yankees 2020 Season Preview: Mike Ford

New York Yankees, Mike Ford
Aug 12, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Mike Ford (36) hits a solo home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the fourth inning of game two of a doubleheader at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

After breaking out for the New York Yankees in 2019, first-baseman Mike Ford is ready for more in 2020.

With the extent of injuries to the team, Ford was signed to a major-league deal in April and had a lot of success in his limited time spent up. He hit .259 with 12 home runs and 25 RBIs in just 143 at-bats. His slugging was .559, and his OPS was an impressive .909.

Ford has an incredible story, and it’s impressive that he’s made it this far. In 2013, he was the Ivy League Player of the Year as a pitcher and also hit .320 in the process. Despite that, he went undrafted, and the Yankees signed him to a deal. He slowly climbed the ranks and was better every year. In 2019 when he wasn’t with the Yankees, he hit over .300 with 23 home runs for AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

2020 Expectations:

It’s increasingly likely that Mike Ford will break camp with the Yankees and have a significant role on the team.

Luke Voit is expected to start at first base, but Ford will likely see his name in there quite often. Even when he isn’t starting, his lefty power makes him valuable as a pinch-hitter or DH dependent on match-ups. Miguel Andujar will also be playing a little first base and will be a frequent DH option, but with the roster size now expanded to 26 players, it shouldn’t be a problem.

If Ford can provide the Yankees in 2020 what he did in 2019, that’d be great. His stats are trending upward and he could be a valuable member of the team for years to come.