Last offseason, the Minnesota Twins signed first baseman Ty France to a one-year, $1 million deal. While France was a below-average hitter for Minnesota, he was easily worth the $1 million given his strong defensive season. Not to mention, he was part of the package that sent righty reliever Louis Varland to the Toronto Blue Jays on July 31, helping the Twins gain outfielder Alan Roden and lefty pitching prospect Kendry Rojas.
In 138 games with the Twins and Blue Jays last season, France slashed .257/.320/.360 (88 OPS+) with seven homers and 52 RBI across 490 plate appearances. As for his defense, France led all American League first base Gold Glove nominations with +10 Outs Above Average. Additionally, he had a career minus-15 fielding run value before 2025 and finished this year with +7. He ended up winning the Gold Glove Award for AL first baseman.
While France isn't the most formidable player at the plate, his defensive turnaround likely will be the reason he gets a job next season. No team has room for a poor defensive first baseman with an OPS below .700, but a team may be able to fit a strong defensive first baseman with an OPS below .700 on their squad. Not to mention, France has hit .302/.369/.438 with 17 homers and 269 RBI with runners in scoring position over 803 career plate appearances.
Yankees, Mets, Padres, Diamondbacks interested in former Twins Gold Glove first baseman Ty France after World Series run with Blue Jays
According to MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo, the New York Yankees, New York Mets, San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks are interested in France, a right-handed hitter whose career numbers against righties and lefties are nearly identical.
Left-handed hitter Ben Rice is slated to be the Yankees' starting first baseman. If the Yankees bring in France, they could use him at first when Rice needs rest or plays catcher. France would also be in a part-time role if he signed with the Mets, as former long-tenured Twin Jorge Polanco is expected to be the team's starting first baseman.
France would likely receive more playing time if he signs with the Padres or Diamondbacks. San Diego has an abundance of left-handed hitters in the infield (Jake Cronenworth, Sung Mun Song, Will Wagner and Gavin Sheets) and an open designated hitter spot. Arizona also has a vacancy at the designated hitter position, and first baseman Pavin Smith is a lefty hitter who has struggled significantly against southpaws during his career.