Ty France could be an option for the San Diego Padres this winter, as the former Friar is an MLB free agent. 

The San Diego Padres are in a position to contend for a World Series title.

The roster is full of talented players, and the team must further their advancement in the playoffs this coming season. Anything short of a championship will be viewed as a failure. The Padres are at the point where their competitive window is open now. They are built to win.

To secure a championship, the whole 26-man roster must be solid.

Last year, the Padres received excellent offensive value from two veteran players: Donovan Solano and David Peralta.

Both men contributed in ways that assisted the Padres in eclipsing their win total from previous seasons. However, both are free agents, and it is not clear if they will return to San Diego. Peralta and Soloano are at the tail end of their careers, and the Padres may be squeamish about signing either and investing millions in them.

An option for the Padres to essentially replace what Solano brought to the team is Ty France.

The former Padres player was dealt to Cincinnati this past season, but the Reds DFA’d him on November 1. They had no intention of paying France the $6-8 million he would have made in the last year of his contract. Coming off two down seasons, the value for France is low. But that shouldn’t dissuade the Padres if the price is right.

France enjoyed some quality years in Seattle after he was dealt to the M’s (2020) in the Austin Nola trade. In fact, after his first season and a half (.814 OPS and .294 average), many in San Diego were upset the Padres allowed the former San Diego State Aztec to get away. France cooled off in 2023, struggling to record a .703 OPS in 158 games for Seattle.

It got even worse for France last season as he put up negative WAR numbers (-0.6) in 140 games.

A ball player’s production is all about motivation. At the age of 30, France has seemingly hit rock bottom in the league.

The right-handed hitter will be fighting for a major league contract this winter. There is no guarantee that he will receive it. The Padres may be wise to offer a contract to the native of California with a bunch of incentives. A one or two-year deal with minimal commitment. A  contract that can earn the Padres value now and something France can build on to hopefully earn a big payday when he hits free agency again.

Defensively, France is capable of playing second base and third base. His future is probably as a first baseman, though, as that is where the majority of his playing time has been for the last several seasons. With Luis Arraez at first base for the Padres, France would be a compelling right-handed hitting option and basically replace Solano in that matter.

The two sides do make sense for a reunion, but it will surely come down to cost.

The Padres would be wise to fill their spring roster with multiple players vying for playing time. The goal is clear. A player like Ty France could have a career year and further catapult the Padres into MLB relevance. Does France have anything left in the tank? Only time will tell, but the risk is worth the reward. If the price is right.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.