Former Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ty France could be making a position change.
France won the Gold Glove Award this past season for his play at first base, as he’s one of the best defensive first basemen in all of baseball. Yet, despite that, his free agency has been slow-moving, and now he could make a position change.
MLB insiders Will Sammon and Katie Woo of The Athletic reported on Wednesday that MLB teams are asking France to move to second base.
“A couple of teams have asked the free agent first baseman about playing some second base, league sources said,” the insiders wrote. “Those same clubs primarily see France as a first baseman. Last season, he won the American League Gold Glove Award at first base. But France came up as a third baseman and logged 21 games at second base in 2021.
“He routinely takes ground balls before games at all three positions. While teams wouldn’t be looking to start France at second base, the versatility could be helpful. While playing for the Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays last season, France slashed .257/.320/.360 with seven home runs in 490 plate appearances.”
France moving to second base is interesting as it could open a path back to Toronto. He could serve as the backup second baseman and backup first baseman. However, Davis Schneider can play second, while Kazuma Okamoto is likely the backup first baseman.
So, France’s time in Toronto is likely over, but he is getting interest from other teams to make a position change.
France’s Market Starting to Heat Up
There hasn’t been much interest in France as of late, but that has started to change.
MLB insider Chris Cotillo reported that some teams are starting to show interest in him, like the New York Mets and New York Yankees.
“As reported last night, Diamondbacks are in on Carlos Santana as a free agent 1B target,” Cotillo wrote on X. “They’ve also talked to Ty France, per source, though France has a robust market. Mets and Yankees have been involved with him, plus Padres and others. That market is moving.”
Santana did ink a deal with the Diamondbacks, which could help speed up his market. But if France is viewed as a second baseman, the veteran could very well be in a totally different market.
France hit .257 with 7 home runs and 52 RBIs last season between the Blue Jays and Minnesota Twins. His career high is 20 home runs and 83 RBIs.
Blue Jays’ Additions Likely Done
Toronto has done its heavy lifting already, and the Blue Jays’ next move could be trading away someone.
Blue Jays insider Keegan Matheson reported that Toronto is expected to get trade calls on its outfielders.
“This organization has stuck with Schneider for good reason,” Matheson wrote. “And he’ll be given every opportunity to take another step. Lukes is fresh off a career season with a .730 OPS, a rock-solid big leaguer in every way. Straw brings the element of defense, base running, and a valuable clubhouse presence.
“Loperfido offers perhaps the most upside of the group, even if he wasn’t given as many opportunities to show it last season. This is a crowded table right now. When teams are looking for outfield depth, the Blue Jays’ phone will be ringing.”
So, Toronto likely enters Opening Day with its 26-man roster coming from the players already in the organization.
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