The Twins didn't include Ford on their 26-man active roster ahead of Thursday's season opener versus the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Ford signed a contract with Japan's Yokohama DeNA Baystars on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Ford declined an outright assignment by the Reds back in late May and has now found a new organization overseas. The 32-year-old is a career .205/.298/.402 hitter over parts of six seasons in the majors.

Ford didn't accept his assignment to Triple-A Louisville and will become a free agent, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ford's three-week stint with the Reds came to an end when he was outrighted to Louisville on Wednesday. Instead of remaining in the organization, Ford will forego the remainder of his salary and will enter free agency. He slashed .150/.177/.233 in 62 plate appearances with Cincinnati.

The Reds designated Ford for assignment Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Ford signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract just three weeks ago but will exit the 40-man roster after going just 9-for-60 (.150) at the plate. The 31-year-old will undoubtedly clear waivers and could remain in the organization, as declining an outright assignment would mean forfeiting the remainder of his salary.

Ford is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

Ford will take a seat for the second time in the series while he's fallen into the midst of a slump at the plate. In his last five games, the 31-year-old has gone 2-for-19 and is slashing just .153/.180/.237 on the season.

Ford is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

Ford will get the day off with lefty James Paxton on the bump for Los Angeles. Nick Martini will bat seventh and DH on Friday.

Ford went 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBI in Monday's 6-5 loss to Arizona.

EDGE Analysis

Ford made a significant contribution for a second consecutive game. After a game-tying, eighth-inning home run in Sunday's loss to the Giants, Ford hit a game-tying single in the sixth then a go-ahead triple in the eighth Monday. Cincinnati's offense has struggled, so if Ford's bat gets going, he could land a semi-regular role until Christian Encarnacion-Strand (wrist) returns.

Ford went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Sunday's 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Ford's homer tied the game at 5-5 in the eighth inning. The 31-year-old has gone 2-for-15 with a walk and two strikeouts over five games since he re-signed with the Reds on May 8 following his release from the organization May 4. Ford slashed .228/.323/.475 with 16 homers and 34 RBI over 84 contests with the Mariners last season, so he may have some power upside if he can claim a regular role.

The Reds re-signed Ford to a one-year contract Wednesday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ford was released from his minor-league deal with the Reds over the weekend after exercising the opt-out clause in his contract. However, the club is now bringing him back and adding him to the major-league roster. Heyman says Ford will report to the Reds on Wednesday, but it's not yet clear what the corresponding move will be. Sending down the struggling Christian Encarnacion-Strand would seem to be a possibility.