Michael Ford: Everything you need to know

The Rays have hired Ford for a front-office role, Kristie Ackert of the Associated Press reports. Ford began last season at Triple-A St. Paul in the Twins organization before finishing it in Japan. The 33-year-old Princeton grad slashed .205/.298/.402 with 37 home runs over parts of six major-league seasons.

The Twins didn't include Ford on their 26-man active roster ahead of Thursday's season opener versus the Cardinals. While attending camp as a non-roster invitee, Ford faced long odds to win a spot on the Opening Day roster, and he didn't do himself any favors by going 4-for-32 (.125 average) during Grapefruit League play. Assuming his minor-league contract doesn't contain an opt-out clause that would allow him to pursue free agency, the 32-year-old first baseman will likely report to Triple-A St. Paul to begin the season.

The Twins signed Ford to a minor-league contract Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports. Ford put up a .411 OPS over 17 games with the Reds in 2024 and finished the year with Japan's Yokohama DeNA Baystars of Nippon Professional Baseball. The 32-year-old has clubbed 37 homers in 781 plate appearances at the big-league level, and the Twins do have an opening at first base, but Ford is far down in the pecking order.