Ty France is drawing significant interest as a coveted free agent

Ty France. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Ty France is drawing significant interest as a coveted free agent

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Nov 6, 2026 4:51 PM ET

Following his 2026 bounce-back campaign with the San Diego Padres, first baseman Ty France is drawing significant interest as a coveted free agent.

France boasted a .295 batting average with 21 home runs, 72 RBI and a stellar .865 OPS in his resurgent and productive season.

While his primary position is first, France also has experience playing second and third as well as seeing time as a designated hitter.

According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, "When France is going right at the plate, he is a gap-to-gap hitter." His extra-base production was elite with 47 extra-base hits — 24 doubles and two triples on top of his 21 home runs. Sammon reported that "multiple teams" are interested in France, and he "could find a deal quickly."

It is rare for players to reestablish their value like Ty France. Then again, his story is atypical. There’s reason to believe his strong 2026 season was no fluke: https://t.co/BQj6vvfSbt
— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) November 6, 2026

Potential suitors for Ty France

While a reunion with the Padres is still on the table for France, the team's primary need is upgrading its rotation. France is a flexible target on the open market who could draw attention from teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks.

Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly predicted the former All-Star will land with the Pirates as they are looking to enhance their production at first base and bolster their defense.

France logged an eight Outs Above Average (OAA) that ranked in the 93rd percentile and field running value of 10 sitting in the 90th percentile. The Mets and Diamondbacks are also looking to improve either first base or their corner infield depth with a veteran presence who provides elite contact.

France also won a Gold Glove at first base in 2025 after logging a nine defensive runs saved (DRS), which ranked second in MLB and first in the AL, and a seven fielding run value that ranked second.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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