We’re into February, and the free-agent market is starting to shift. Call it urgency, call it strategy-whatever it is, unsigned players are beginning to make moves, and teams are quietly tightening up their rosters.
The New York Mets, who made most of their notable additions back in mid-January, are still keeping an eye on the market. And one name that’s resurfaced in connection with them?
Ty France.
France, a right-handed first baseman with a Gold Glove to his name from last season (split between the Twins and Blue Jays), is back in the rumor mill with the Mets reportedly among the teams showing interest. According to recent reports, the Diamondbacks are also in on France, along with the Yankees, Padres, and others. His market is active, and there’s clearly a demand for what he brings to the table.
Now, France isn’t your prototypical slugging first baseman. His offensive production has been solid but not overwhelming-more in line with what you'd expect from a second baseman, which, interestingly enough, is where he started his career.
But what makes him stand out right now is the glove. He’s coming off a strong defensive season, and if that’s a sign of things to come, he could offer value in a more specialized role.
For the Mets, signing France would trigger some immediate ripple effects-starting with Mark Vientos. Slotting France into the roster likely means Vientos becomes the odd man out.
It’s not just a matter of depth; it’s a matter of fit. France brings more experience at first base and could serve as a late-game defensive option while offering competent right-handed production off the bench.
That’s a skillset the Mets could use, but it also makes Vientos expendable.
Vientos, still young and inexpensive, showed flashes of real promise in 2024. Right now, he’s penciled in as the Mets’ most consistent option at designated hitter.
But there’s a catch-he’s still unproven over a full season, and the Mets seem willing to gamble elsewhere. They’ve already shifted away from veterans this offseason, choosing instead to lean into youth and flexibility.
Yet, with Jorge Polanco potentially seeing time at first base-a move that carries its own defensive risks-the Mets are walking a tightrope.
Brett Baty could be a fallback option at first, but he hasn’t played the position yet. That leaves the Mets with a lot of questions and not a lot of insurance.
If Polanco struggles defensively, and there’s no backup plan in place, they could find themselves vulnerable at a key corner infield spot. And as much as Pete Alonso was criticized for his glove, the Mets may be staring down a similar situation if they don’t shore up that side of the field.
That’s where France becomes a potential solution. He doesn’t offer a ton of offensive upside, but he’s steady, and his defensive growth last season is intriguing.
He also hits both lefties and righties reasonably well, with near-even career splits and even some reverse splits last year. He’s not flashy, but he’s dependable.
Still, the Mets’ mention in these rumors feels more like a reminder than a fresh development. Their lineup, as currently constructed, has more offensive ceiling with Vientos in the DH spot and France elsewhere.
Vientos has legitimate power potential, and if the Mets are serious about giving their young core a real shot, this might be the time to commit. Let him prove he can handle the role.
And if it doesn’t work? There’s always a trade to be made.
Just as the Mets might be exploring deals involving Luisangel Acuña, they could do the same with Vientos down the line. But for now, the upside he offers is hard to ignore-especially for a team that still needs to score runs as much as it needs to prevent them.