Anthony Franco’s projection for Ty France gives the Twins a clean answer at a spot that needs one.
MLB Trade Rumors pegged Minnesota for a two-year, $32 million deal with the free-agent first baseman, whom the club sent to the Toronto Blue Jays at the 2025 deadline. With Josh Bell back on the market, the Twins have an opening for a bat at first base or designated hitter, and France fits the shape of the roster better than a lot of other options.
Royce Lewis is the top internal candidate at first, but he’s coming off a .227 average and a .667 OPS in 2026. Adding France would give manager Derek Shelton room to move Lewis around the DH spot while keeping Kody Clemens in the second-base mix.
The appeal goes beyond just filling a hole. France put together a strong 2026 season with the San Diego Padres, hitting .295/.363/.502 with 21 home runs.
He was productive from both sides of the platoon split, posting an .853 OPS against left-handed pitching and an .869 OPS against right-handers. That kind of balance lets Shelton keep him in the heart of the order no matter who is on the mound.
There’s also a defensive case for the move. France won an American League Gold Glove in 2025 and led major league first basemen with 15 Defensive Runs Saved in 2026. That kind of glove gives Minnesota a reason to stay patient if the bat cools off, and it helps make a second guaranteed year easier to swallow.
Still, the Twins would be betting that the power surge is real. Statcast had France at a 91.5 mph average exit velocity in 2026, up from 89.5 mph the year before, but his .421 expected slugging percentage sat well below the .502 mark he actually posted.
He hit seven home runs in 490 plate appearances in 2025, and he turns 33 in July. At this price, Minnesota would need some of that added pop to hold up through 2028.
The money matters, too. A deal at $16 million per year would come in $6 million above the 2027 option the Twins declined on Bell. France also reached free agency without a qualifying offer, so Minnesota could sign him without giving up draft picks.
The payroll picture gets tighter if Ryan Jeffers accepts his one-year, $23.15 million qualifying offer by Nov. 17.
In that case, the two would account for $39.15 million in 2027 if France’s contract is split evenly across both seasons. If Jeffers declines, the Twins still have to budget for a starting catcher.
They also need help in the bullpen, specifically from the left side, with A.J. Minter and Taylor Rogers in free agency.
Chairman Tom Pohlad has already said payroll will rise for 2027, though he hasn’t put a number on it. Franco’s two-year, $32 million forecast fits if that increase leaves enough room to address catcher and add a left-handed reliever.
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Twins Outfield Battle Is Putting Veteran Roles In Real Danger
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Trevor Larnach and Austin Martin are the names most clearly caught in the middle of that shuffle. Larnachs role is no longer secure, and Martin appears headed for a platoon or bench assignment unless the roster picture changes again, which is exactly why the competition matters so much this winter. With several outfielders still fighting for playing time and the front office continuing to sort through the roster, the Twins are entering a stretch where every move could reshape who stays, who slides into a lesser role, and who gets squeezed out entirely. [Read more 🡒]