Report: Former Blue Jay Ty France lands minor league deal with the Padres

Between both teams, France amassed a .257/.320/.360 slash line with 25 doubles, seven home runs, 52 RBIs, and a .681 OPS. He produced a 1.0 bWAR season and earned his first Gold Glove Award for first base, spending time at the position across both squads. France saw a slight uptick in his average and power with the Jays across 94 at-bats, finding himself playing more off the bench down the stretch due to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. being the go-to first baseman for Toronto.

France also made two appearances for Toronto in the postseason, both in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He went 1 for 4 at the plate with one RBI.

A seven-year veteran of the big leagues, France has suited up for five different teams and will rejoin the Padres almost six years after he last played for the squad. A one-time All-Star, France’s best season came in 2021 when he produced a 4.2 bWAR with the Seattle Mariners, including 18 home runs and a .813 OPS – a career high for the infielder in a full-season (excluding COVID).

France heads into camp looking to find a spot on the Padres bench, competing with Gavin Sheets and fellow non-roster invitee Nick Castellanos for time at first base. Before signing with the Padres, multiple teams were interested in France, including the Guardians, Diamondbacks, and Mets.