Padres nab high school catcher in early 2021 mock draft

In an extremely early mock draft by Baseball America, the Padres were paired with another player from the high school ranks. After taking OF Robert Hassell III in 2020, San Diego takes Harry Ford, an impressive catching prospect from North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The 5’10, 195-pound Ford is currently committed to play for nearby Georgia Tech University in Atlanta. Here’s what was said about Ford in BA’s mock:

“The Padres are among the most aggressive teams in the game when it comes to drafting high school players. Their recent pick history at the top of the first round looks strong, with LHPs MacKenzie Gore and Ryan Weathers along with dynamic SS CJ Abrams and the sweet-swinging OF Robert Hassell. Thanks to a resurgent major league team, the scouting department will now try to find success at the back of the first round.”

“This will be the first time the Padres have picked outside of the top 10 since 2014—when the team selected SS Trea Turner No. 13 overall. Our scout has the team going with Georgia catcher Harry Ford, who is one of the most athletic players in the class. Ford ran the second-fastest 60-yard dash at East Coast Pro, can play a variety of positions and has solid feel for the barrel with power that comes from above-average bat speed and twitchy actions in the box.”

How would you all feel about this pick? Are there any other prospects you think the Padres should consider with the 27th-overall pick?