Ty France free agency update which could have him returning to Toronto
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Victor William
Jan 2, 2026 (2:39 PM)
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Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Former Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Ty France is still a free agent but despite being labeled as a bench player, he could still be a great addition to multiple teams including Toronto
Toronto grabbed France at the July 31 trade deadline, a simple move that screamed «stabilize the corner.» He did exactly that, giving John Schneider a steady right-handed option behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
France, now 31, finished 2025 at .257 with seven homers and 52 RBIs, which is more solid than loud. The bigger headline was the glove, as he took home the American League Gold Glove at first base.
Ty France should be able to land a solid new contract
France could even be a solid option for the Blue Jays as bringing back a bench player of that caliber would only help their lineup. Defense at first base is boring until it costs you two outs in October which is why France is such an interesting option.
The money side is what makes this interesting, because France played 2025 on a one-year deal worth $1 million. He has a career .262 average with 81 home runs and 364 RBIs, so the floor is pretty clear that he will likely sign another bargain deal.
Ty France could be the perfect bench bat for a contending team. The best defensive 1B in baseball who also avoid Ks. Still managed a 92 wRC+. Great defensive option who is still a solid bat
2026 FanGraphs projections:
84 games
.257/.324/.390
9 HRs
.314 wOBA
100 wRC+
0.5 fWAR
2026 FanGraphs projections:
84 games
.257/.324/.390
9 HRs
.314 wOBA
100 wRC+
0.5 fWAR
Toronto doesn't need France to be a middle-order star, it needs competent at-bats and clean reps at first base. If his market stays modest, this feels like the kind of quiet signing contenders make before February ends.
Also read on Toronto Baseball Insider :
Addison Barger gets surprising contract extension update with the Toronto Blue Jays
Addison Barger gets surprising contract extension update with the Toronto Blue Jays
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 2|388 ANSWERS Ty France free agency update which could have him returning to Toronto Should Toronto Blue Jays pursue Ty France in free agency? | ||
| Re-sign Ty France | 104 | 26.8 % |
| Let him walk | 232 | 59.8 % |
| Bigger bat | 26 | 6.7 % |
| Internal option | 26 | 6.7 % |
| List of polls | ||