Ty France has quietly become one of the more impressive players for the San Diego Padres this offseason.
While Director of Baseball Operations AJ Preller brought in a Gold Glove-winning first baseman for the defense, it was actually France who unexpectedly energized the Padres’ batting order this season.
France has been putting up phenomenal numbers, boasting a .524 batting average this season, which is the highest slugging percentage for a Padres first baseman with at least 300 at-bats since Adrian Gonzalez back in 2009. Currently, France’s season stats include a .296 batting average, 17 home runs, 51 RBIs, and an OPS of .877.
He initially signed a minor league deal with the Padres and wasn’t guaranteed a spot on the opening day roster. However, he secured a bench role and has since proven to be a key player in the team’s recent success.
France was drafted by the Padres in the 34th round of the 2015 MLB Draft and made his major league debut with them in 2019, but he was traded to the Seattle Mariners the following year. It feels like a long journey to have him back delivering so well in San Diego.
Taking a chance on France by signing him to a minor league contract before the 2026 season has paid off significantly for Preller.
At 32, France’s current season stands out, especially considering his past performance trends, which included an average .735 OPS and 1.3 WAR over seven seasons.
This year has been his best in the league so far, making him one of just two first basemen in MLB with a batting average above .280 and an OPS exceeding .870.
Defensively, he’s making an impact too, ranking in the 94th percentile for above-average outs, with a plus-6 rating and 12 defensive runs allowed.
The Padres had a rough start to their season but have recently found their rhythm. Heading into their game against the Cleveland Guardians, they were seeking their seventh consecutive win, though they ended up losing 6-1.
With an 11-4 record over their last 15 games and 16-5 over the last 21, the Padres have surged in the National League standings and are now positioned for the final Wild Card spot.
