The Toronto Blue Jays could see an intriguing hitter leave for an AL East rival.
The Blue Jays acquired first baseman Ty France at the deadline to bolster their bench and lineup for a playoff push. Yet, in free agency, there hasn’t been much of a market for France, but that could soon change.
MLB insider Chris Cotillo reported that France is receiving interest from the New York Yankees, who are looking to replace Paul Goldschmidt and add some depth behind Ben Rice.
“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.”
France is one of the top defensive first basemen in the MLB. While his bat hasn’t been as good as years past, there is still some pop in it.
With the Blue Jays, France served as Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s backup. So having a primary first baseman isn’t a huge need for Toronto. Instead, the Blue Jays could look at using Ernie Clement, Kazuma Okamoto, and Anthony Santander as the backup first baseman if needed.
France hit .257 with 7 home runs and 52 RBIs last season between the Blue Jays and Twins. His career high is 20 home runs and 83 RBIs.
France Was Unlikely to Return to Blue Jays
Toronto acquired France, along with Louis Varland, to bolster its roster for the playoffs.
The Blue Jays used France at DH and a bench bat throughout the end of the regular season and the playoffs. However, although France filled a key role, Blue Jays analyst Matt Postins of SI ranked France as the most likely free agent not to return.
“While he won a Gold Glove as a first baseman last season, he’s essentially redundant with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. starting his enormous contract this season,” Postins wrote. “He has little position flex but he’ll have a market for teams looking for cheap power at first base or at designated hitter.”
France’s market is starting to pick up ahead of spring training beginning later this month. So, the veteran first baseman should find a spot, and he could play in the AL East against the Blue Jays.
Blue Jays Roster Likely Set
Toronto was active early on in the offseason, and it appears their roster moves are done with.
Blue Jays insider Mitch Bannon of The Athletic believes Toronto’s major moves are completed.
“In short, another major move appears unlikely for the Jays. However, they’ve surprised before. Toronto’s pitching staff appears essentially set,” Bannon wrote. “The Jays also project to have at least a two-win player (a solid starter or better) at every offensive position except left field. Even in left, they can dream of a Santander rebound.
“Barring a lineup-shifting trade, any incoming player would seemingly be a significant upgrade over Santander and Nathan Lukes. There just isn’t room (or need) for a mid-tier addition, and there aren’t many elite options left.”
The Blue Jays added Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, Tyler Rogers, and Kazuma Okamoto this offseason.
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