Mets’ First Base Picture in Flux as Camp Nears, Ty France Emerges as Defensive Option
As Mets spring training inches closer, one of the most intriguing position battles to watch will be at first base - and not because of a surplus of proven options. With Jorge Polanco shifting into unfamiliar territory and a cast of infielders vying for reps, the Mets have some decisions to make. And they’re reportedly eyeing a potential solution in free agent Ty France.
Let’s start with what we know: Polanco, a veteran middle infielder, has logged just one professional appearance at first base. So while he brings experience and a steady bat, trusting him as the everyday first baseman is a leap. The Mets seem willing to take that chance - at least for now - but it’s clear they’re leaving the door open for reinforcements.
Enter France, a name that’s drawing interest from multiple clubs, including the Mets, Yankees, Padres, and Diamondbacks. His market is described as “robust” and “moving,” which makes sense given what he brings to the table - especially on defense.
France’s defensive turnaround in 2025 was one of the more surprising developments in the league. After years of grading out poorly with the glove at first, he flipped the script and walked away with an American League Gold Glove.
That kind of leap doesn’t go unnoticed - particularly for a Mets team that could use a steady hand in the infield. Whether that defensive performance is sustainable or a one-year outlier is the million-dollar question, but the upside is hard to ignore.
If the Mets do land France, it likely wouldn’t be as an everyday starter. Rather, he’d offer manager Carlos Mendoza a valuable late-game defensive sub or spot starter - someone who can shore up the right side of the infield when the situation calls for it. That kind of flexibility is gold over a 162-game season, especially with a roster built around versatility.
Without France, the Mets are expected to lean on a platoon at first. Polanco figures to get the bulk of the starts, with Brett Baty and Mark Vientos sprinkled in depending on matchups and rest days. Baty, displaced from third base by the Bo Bichette signing, could also see time in left field as he transitions into more of a utility role.
Offensively, France isn’t the same hitter who made the All-Star team back in 2022. Since then, he’s posted a .247 average and a .686 OPS - numbers that match up with the underlying metrics.
He’s still a contact-first hitter who puts the ball in play, but the impact isn’t what it used to be. His exit velocity and barrel rates have dipped, making him more of a complementary bat than a lineup centerpiece.
That said, there’s still value in what he brings. France hit better against right-handed pitching last season, which could pair well with Polanco’s stronger splits against lefties. While France has been fairly neutral in his career splits, the recent trend offers Mendoza another lever to pull when crafting matchups.
The Mets’ bench, as currently constructed, includes backup catcher Luis Torrens, fourth outfielder Tyrone Taylor, Vientos, and either Ronny Mauricio or Vidal Bruján. Mauricio, once a top prospect, has options remaining and could start the year in Triple-A. Bruján, acquired from the Twins, brings speed and defensive versatility.
Adding France would give the Mets a veteran presence who can stabilize first base defensively and offer some lineup flexibility. It’s not a blockbuster move, but it’s the kind of marginal upgrade that can pay dividends over a long season - especially if Polanco’s transition to first proves rockier than hoped.
With camp just around the corner, this is one position battle that’s far from settled. And if the Mets do strike a deal with France, it could quietly become one of the more impactful under-the-radar moves of the offseason.