Ty France signed with the Padres on February 16 on a minor league deal that included an invite to Major League Spring Training.

At the time, this looked like a slim opportunity where France may be able to crack the roster.

France is an infielder who primarily plays first base and has played second and third base at times in his career. The 2025 American League Gold Glove Award winner at first base had lots of other competition at the position with Gavin Sheets, a guy who came over from Chicago in 2025 and immediately produced to a 105 OPS+ a season ago.

Miguel Andujar and Nick Castellanos were acquired over the offseason to hit lefties, an area where the team has struggled, and Sung-Mun Song was signed to become an option in the infield positions.

Now, on May 6, France has made major contributions to the Padres’ success, showcasing his great glove and bat.

Spring Training case to make the team

During the 2026 Cactus League season, France surely opened eyes around the organization. Through 49 at-bats, France’s slashline was .306/.352/.510, to make an OPS of .862. Song, who injured his right oblique in January, reaggravated that injury in March, which opened up a hole and scenario for France to make the Opening Day squad.

Ty France hits a three-run home run to left field, extending the Padres lead to 13#PadresST #MLB pic.twitter.com/9ce3GJ4nRq

— San Diego Strong (@PadresStrong) March 20, 2026

With France performing very well and Sung-Mun Song coming over from the KBO and still having to ramp up to Major League arms, Song would land on the injured list to begin the year. He’d then stay in Triple-A El Paso for 25 games.

On March 21st, five days before Opening Day, France got notified that he made the roster. Undoubtedly a full-circle moment for France, who played baseball at San Diego State University from 2013-2015 under Tony Gwynn, to then get drafted in the 34th round by the Padres in 2025. To making his MLB debut in 2019 with San Diego, and now back with the Padres in 2026.

France through May 6

With Andujar getting mostly playing time at designated hitter and Castellanos at the corner outfield spots, it’s been Ty France who has gotten lots of nods at first base. Along with Sheets not hitting lefties in 2026 and his -4 OAA, France has seen some playing time. In April 12th’s game vs. the Rockies, France broke out with a three-hit performance, including a solo home run and tallying seven bases.

Oui love to see it. pic.twitter.com/y2pGqu4IqK

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) April 12, 2026

In April 25th’s matchup vs. the Diamondbacks in Mexico City, France hit two solo shots. In the Cubs series, which followed the Mexico City series, France would tally two multi-hit games, including five RBIs.

¡Viva Francia! pic.twitter.com/8Yw34eab2F

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) April 26, 2026

Here we are on May 6th, with France pinch-hitting for Song to face the lefty Matt Gage with two runners in scoring position. France came through once again with a two RBI triple to take the lead late in the game.

Our guy Ty ? pic.twitter.com/Oe6tJArBYM

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) May 6, 2026

Aztec for life, Ty France is proving himself to be a very valuable asset to this team.

He’s provided a very steady bat and glove off the bench, an area where the team struck out in 2025 with Yuli Gurriel and Connor Joe. Through May 6, France owns a slashline of .291/.328/.564, good for a well-above league-average hitter. In 2025, France was a below league-average hitter with the Twins and Blue Jays, with an OPS+ of 89 across both stints with both teams.

Although he’s only played third base once this season and none at second with Fernando Tatis Jr. seemingly being the backup second baseman, France has been great so far over at first base. France has 1 OAA, which is in the 77th percentile of fielders in that stat. Apart from his great actual statistics, the expected stats of France may just be as good. Through his small sample of 55 at-bats, France has xwOBA of .403, xSLG of .593. These marks are all in the upper percentile of hitters. A season ago, France’s K% was 16.9%, and he’s reduced that to 8.9% early on in 2026.

Interesting decisions upcoming

Following Cronenworth’s placement on the IL with a concussion, Song has made the most of his promotion and has helped the team nicely the past few games. It will be interesting to see what may happen with the infield if France and Song can keep their bats going and if Cronenworth keeps struggling at the dish. Early on in 2026, Craig Stammen has not been shy to mix things up, such as moving Tatis Jr. to second base at time give Jake Cronenworth or Xander Bogaerts a day off, and also using an opener for a struggling Matt Waldron. Maybe giving France some time at second base against left-handers is an idea that could become a reality. The abundance and competence of the Padres’ bench is certainly not a bad issue for the front office and management to have.

With Ty France’s rise as a difference maker early on in 2026, it’s hard to see where this team would be without his production. France has absolutely played key roles both offensively and defensively in numerous of the Padres’ wins this season.

Angel Flores

Angel grew up a San Diego sports fan, following the Padres, SDSU athletics, San Diego FC, as well as the Chargers. He is currently a third year community college student, and will transfer to SDSU to pursue a career in Journalism.