According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, Ty France is expected to join the San Diego Padres’ Spring Training camp as a non-roster invitee after signing a minor-league deal with the team.
France, 31, has a career .262 batting average in seven big-league seasons with five organizations. He made his debut in the majors with the Padres in 2019 before being dealt to the Seattle Mariners at the following trade deadline.
In 2025, France split time between the Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays. He hit .257 in 490 combined at-bats with the two clubs. The first baseman was acquired by the Blue Jays to become a defensive replacement for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. His ability around the bag upgraded the Jays infield defense.
The veteran was honored for his elite fielding at first base by winning his first Gold Glove this past offseason. France led all first basemen with a +10 Outs Above Average (OAA) and recorded a .996 fielding percentage.
The Friars have added a reliable glove to their infield mix. France will compete with Nick Castellanos, Miguel Andujar and Gavin Sheets for playing time at first base and designated hitter.