Ty France, the free agent first baseman, has caught the eye of several teams, including the Diamondbacks, Mets, Padres, and Yankees. This news comes from MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo, who reported on the interest in France's services. France, a recent AL Gold Glove Award winner, has an intriguing profile. While his batting average and home run numbers may not jump off the page, his ability to make contact and his defensive prowess have teams taking notice.
France's offensive numbers have taken a dip in recent seasons, with his wRC+ (weighted runs created plus) dropping from 129 over 2020-22 to just 93 in the last two years. However, his contact rate remains above average, and his defensive metrics have improved dramatically, earning him his first Gold Glove in 2025.
As a right-handed hitter without a platoon split, France offers versatility. Teams seeking a right-handed first baseman may prefer a more traditional power hitter, but France's defensive skills add an extra dimension to his game.
The Yankees and Mets, with their current roster configurations, would likely use France in a part-time capacity. The Yankees have Ben Rice, a left-handed bat, lined up as their starting first baseman, with Giancarlo Stanton locked into the DH role. The Mets plan to use Jorge Polanco as their primary first baseman, with Mark Vientos and Brett Baty also in the mix for DH or outfield duties.
The Diamondbacks, on the other hand, could offer France more playing time. With a left-handed hitting Pavin Smith expected to get the majority of first base work, France could fill a platoon role and even see action as the designated hitter. The team has also been linked to other first base options, including Paul Goldschmidt and Carlos Santana.
For France, a return to the Padres would be a homecoming of sorts. He began his professional career with the Padres, drafted in the 34th round in 2015, and spent parts of his first two MLB seasons with the team before being traded to the Mariners. Now, at 31 years old, France could provide a right-handed complement to the Padres' predominantly left-handed infield.
The Padres have a surplus of left-handed bats, including Jake Cronenworth, Sung Mun Song, Will Wagner, and Gavin Sheets. While Sheets is projected to be the starting first baseman, with Cronenworth potentially filling the DH role, there is still uncertainty surrounding the team's lineup, especially with Song's oblique injury potentially delaying his MLB debut.
So, which team will France choose? Will his defensive skills outweigh his offensive decline? And how will the Padres navigate their crowded infield? These are the questions that will keep baseball fans engaged as the offseason unfolds.
What do you think? Which team do you see as the best fit for Ty France? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
