sports
Mike Ford Joins Tampa Bay Rays Baseball Operations After Three Seasons With Yankees
Former New York Yankees player Mike Ford began working in the Tampa Bay Rays front office at the start of the 2026 season. Forbes reported his early impressions of the organization in a YES Network interview.
Jul 11, 6:30 AM·1m read1 source
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Mike Ford, who played three seasons with the New York Yankees, joined the Tampa Bay Rays baseball operations department at the start of the 2026 season. Forbes reported the move, which placed the former player in a front-office role with one of the New York Yankees' American League East rivals. Ford played three seasons with the Yankees after growing up in New Jersey as a fan of the team.
167 before a demotion. The Yankees recalled him in early August 2019 after Edwin Encarnacion broke his wrist. 953 OPS with 11 home runs in 39 games through the end of that season. Ford later played for several other organizations.
Forbes noted that he has described his new role with the Rays as a smooth transition. "It's an incredible group," Ford said of the Rays in the YES Network interview. He added that the experience has been "eye-opening" and "super open," with no question considered un-askable.
"They've really just welcomed me with open arms," he said. "They do a wonderful job. " Forbes reported that Ford's comments highlighted the Rays' analytical approach and player-development focus.
