The Minnesota Twins Secure Ty France
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins made a significant move to bolster their lineup by agreeing to a one-year contract with free agent first baseman Ty France on Tuesday. A person with knowledge of the deal, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, confirmed the agreement before the contract was finalized. This move adds a seasoned and versatile hitter to the Twins’ roster, addressing a position that has been somewhat fluid in recent years.
Ty France’s Journey to Minnesota
Ty France’s career has seen him bounce between several teams, but he has consistently made an impact wherever he has landed. Drafted by the San Diego Padres, France made his major league debut with them in 2019. He was then traded to the Seattle Mariners in 2020, where he spent the majority of his career. Last summer, the Mariners placed France on waivers, and he was subsequently traded to the Cincinnati Reds. However, his time with the Reds was short-lived; in November, France refused an outright assignment to Triple-A, thereby becoming a free agent. His journey to the Twins represents a significant opportunity for him to find a stable home and continue his ascent in the league.
France’s Statistically Impressive Performance
Over the past three seasons, France has established himself as a reliable and productive hitter. From 2021 to 2023, he batted .272 with a .415 slugging percentage and a .763 OPS. His ability to get on base and contribute to the team’s offensive output has been noteworthy, and he has shown a knack for being hit by pitches, leading the majors in this category in both 2021 (27) and 2023 (34). In 2022, he had a particularly strong season, hitting 20 home runs and driving in 83 RBIs over 140 games. These numbers make France a valuable addition to any team, and the Twins are certainly looking forward to his contributions.
Replacing Carlos Santana
The Twins’ decision to sign France comes in the wake of Carlos Santana’s departure to the Cleveland Guardians in free agency. Santana, a powerful and defensive-minded player, won the AL Gold Glove award in 2024, leaving a significant void in both the offensive and defensive aspects of the Twins’ first base position. While France may not bring the same defensive prowess, his offensive capabilities, especially in terms of getting on base and driving in runs, are expected to provide a strong foundation for the Twins’ lineup. The competition for the starting first base spot will now include Jose Miranda and Edouard Julien, both of whom have shown significant offensive potential but lack the extensive major league experience that France brings.
Spring Training Dynamics
With the first full-squad workout set to begin on Monday in Fort Myers, Florida, the Twins are looking to evaluate their options at first base and other positions. Mike Ford, one of 16 players invited to spring training on minor league contracts, will also be in the mix. Ford, a veteran who has played for six different major league teams in the past six years, appeared in 17 games with the Reds last season. He had a standout year in 2023, hitting 16 home runs with a .798 OPS in 83 games for the Mariners. The presence of Ford adds another layer of depth and competition, keeping the Twins’ front office and coaching staff on their toes as they prepare for the upcoming season.
A Quiet Offseason for the Twins
Despite the addition of France and a few other key players, the Twins have had a relatively quiet offseason. Their payroll remains in a holding pattern, and they have been cautious with major financial commitments. The only other significant signings before France were left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe and backup outfielder Harrison Bader. Coulombe, who signed a $3 million, one-year deal, will provide depth in the bullpen, while Bader, signed for a guaranteed $6.25 million, brings versatility and a mutual 2026 option with performance bonuses that could see him earn up to $7.75 million in 2025 alone if he plays regularly. These moves, along with the acquisition of France, show a balanced approach by the Twins’ front office, focusing on depth and reliability rather than big-name splashes.
Roster Adjustments and Future Prospects
The Twins made a few roster adjustments to accommodate their new signings. On Tuesday, they saw two relief pitchers claimed off waivers—right-hander Ronny Henriquez by the Miami Marlins and left-hander Brent Headrick by the New York Yankees. Henriquez’s departure to the Marlins was a result of being designated for assignment on Friday to make room for Coulombe. Headrick’s waiver claim created additional space on the 40-man roster, which was crucial for bringing in France. Additionally, the trade of outfielder Michael Helman to the St. Louis Cardinals last week for cash opened up another spot, making room for Harrison Bader. These moves demonstrate the Twins’ strategic approach to maintaining a competitive roster while managing financial and roster constraints. As the team looks forward to spring training and the upcoming season, the additions of France, Coulombe, and Bader are expected to provide the necessary depth and flexibility to compete in the American League Central.
