By Paul L. Taylor Posted on

Mariners former All-Star Ty France returns to where he started

Ty France has signed with the San Diego Padres, which means the Seattle Mariners will see plenty of him during spring training in Peoria.

Former Mariners player Ty France has returned to where it all began after signing a minor league deal with the Padres, who selected him in the 34th round of the 2015 draft. His deal comes with an invitation to Major League spring training in Arizona, and if he makes the roster he will be paid at a $1.35 million rate.

France has had an interesting Major League career with plenty of ups and downs, but it’s undeniable he experienced his most success (and longest tenure) in Seattle. As such, we’re sure it will be slightly surreal for the M’s to see him regularly around the Peoria Sports Complex which the team shares with the Padres during spring training.

The 31-year-old first arrived in Seattle via a trade from the Padres in August of 2020 and remained until he was moved to the Cincinnati Reds in July of 2024. During his time with the Mariners he hit 60 home runs and 258 RBI, as he batted .266 with a .750 OPS and 115 OPS+ on the way to a 8.3 bWAR.

Ty France in the ascendancy for the Mariners in 2021-22

Arguably France’s best season with the Mariners was his first full year in 2021, when he produced a .291/.368/.445 slash line, .813 OPS and 128 OPS+ on the way to a career-best 4.2 bWAR. However, it would be the following year when he earned his first All-Star selection, as he hit career highs of 20 home runs and 83 RBI.

At the time of being named to the 2022 All-Star Game as an injury replacement for Mike Trout, France’s reputation was at an all-time high. He was second among all qualifying American League first basemen in batting average, third in OBP, tied for third in hits and RBI, as well as fourth in OPS.

After this though, things all started to gradually fall apart in Seattle for the right-handed bat. In fact you could see the statistical decline in his game, as his batting average and OPS declined in each of his five seasons (or parts of) with the Mariners, from .302 and .815 respectively in 2020 (albeit in just 23 games), down to .223 and .662 in 2024 at the time of his departure.

France was a popular player among teammates and fans alike during his time in Seattle, always working hard and prepared to put his body on the line – almost literally as evidence by leading the majors in hit by pitches in 2021 and 2023. However, as his time with the Mariners drew to an end, he became a liability with his increasing struggles at the plate.

A dipping bat but improved defense by Ty France

It was actually a shock for many to see the Downey, California native’s decline as he was often renowned as a natural hitter for who making contact with the ball was instinctive. Unfortunately though by the time the Mariners placed him on outright waivers ahead of his trade to Cincinnati, he seemingly couldn’t buy a hit.

In fairness to France he’s had some success since leaving Seattle, which included winning the first Gold Glove of his career last year when he played first in Minnesota and then Toronto. He also helped the Blue Jays make it to the World Series after his trade from the Twins, along the way getting six hits and two RBI versus the Mariners during the ALCS.

France’s chances of making the Padres’ Major League roster will be complicated due to them having plenty of options at first base. However, it surely has to count for something that he has become so adept defensively, as he was credited with nine Defensive Runs Saved last season, was worth 10 Outs Above Average to lead all Major League first basemen and Baseball Savant ranked him in the 96th percentile for Range (OAA).

For what it’s worth France does also have some Major League experience playing defensively at second and third base. (As well as DH.) Overall though, what will help him most is if he can rediscover the bat which made him so dangerous during the first half of his time in Seattle.

Photos court​‌esy of Tim Rogers Photography

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