The Minnesota Twins have reportedly secured a one-year deal with free agent first baseman Ty France, according to sources familiar with the agreement, bringing the 2022 All-Star to a position that has been lacking in stability.
This information was shared by an individual who requested to remain unnamed since the contract is yet to be officially completed. France, who has primarily played for the Seattle Mariners, was traded to the Cincinnati Reds after being placed on waivers last summer. Originally drafted by the San Diego Padres, he made his major league debut with them in 2019 before transitioning to the Mariners in 2020.
During his three full seasons as the regular first baseman for the Mariners, France achieved a batting average of .272 along with a .415 slugging percentage and a .763 OPS from 2021 through 2023. Notably, he led the league in being hit by pitches in both 2021, with 27, and 2023, with 34. In 2022, he notably hit 20 home runs and tallied 83 RBIs over the course of 140 games.
Having become a free agent in November after declining an outright assignment by the Reds to Triple-A, France will provide the Twins with an experienced bat as they gear up for their first full-squad practice of the spring in Fort Myers, Florida. The departure of Carlos Santana to the Cleveland Guardians created a vacancy at first base, where other promising players like Jose Miranda and Edouard Julien are also contenders. Nonetheless, replacing the defensive prowess of Santana, who was awarded the AL Gold Glove in 2024, will be a challenge.
Additionally, the Twins are evaluating first baseman Mike Ford, who is among the 16 players invited to spring training on minor league contracts. Ford played in 17 games with the Reds last season, marking his tenure with six major league teams over six years. He registered a career-high of 16 home runs and an OPS of .798 in 83 games with the Mariners in 2023.
The Twins have had a relatively quiet offseason, keeping their payroll stable and limiting significant moves. Prior to adding France, they signed left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe and backup outfielder Harrison Bader last week, marking their most notable acquisitions.
On Tuesday, the Twins also saw two relief pitchers claimed off waivers: right-hander Ronny Henriquez to the Miami Marlins and left-hander Brent Headrick to the New York Yankees. Headrick’s move opened up a spot for France on the 40-man roster. Henriquez was previously designated for assignment as part of a roster adjustment to accommodate Coulombe’s signing, which was a one-year deal worth $3 million.
Additionally, the Twins traded outfielder Michael Helman to the St. Louis Cardinals last week for cash, thereby creating room for Harrison Bader, who signed on for a guaranteed $6.25 million with a mutual option for 2026 and potential bonuses that could elevate his earnings to up to $7.75 million in 2025, contingent on his playing time.
