The Washington Nationals shook up their offseason plans by trading emerging closer Jose A. Ferrer to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for top catching prospect Harry Ford and young right-hander Isaac Lyon. Ferrer, a 25-year-old lefty with elite velocity and years of team control, had been viewed as a long-term bullpen anchor. But with the market for high-leverage left-handed relievers thin and Ferrer drawing strong leaguewide interest, the Nationals capitalized on the opportunity to address a major organizational weakness behind the plate. Ford, once one of Seattle’s most touted prospects, had trouble finding playing time behind star catcher Cal Raleigh but now gets a clear runway to develop into Washington’s everyday starter.

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