As spring training looms just over a week away, MLB’s offseason is entering its final stretch-but that doesn’t mean front offices are kicking back and coasting. There’s still work to be done, and several veteran free agents remain on the board, including a few intriguing names that could solidify first base situations across the league.
Among the most active teams in this late-stage market? The Yankees, Mets, Padres, and Diamondbacks-each reportedly eyeing Ty France as a potential addition.
Ty France Drawing Interest from Multiple Contenders
Ty France, a 31-year-old corner infielder, is generating interest from several clubs looking to shore up their first base depth. Last season, France posted a .257/.320/.360 slash line with seven home runs over 138 games, splitting time between the Twins and Blue Jays. While those numbers don’t jump off the page-his OPS+ sat at 88, below league average-teams appear to be valuing his glove and steady presence at the position.
France’s defensive reputation at first base is solid, and in a market where reliable defenders at the cold corner are in short supply, that matters. He’s not a platoon bat either-his splits haven’t been particularly strong against lefties or righties the past two seasons-but his experience and defensive consistency still make him a viable option for teams looking to add depth or competition at first.
The Yankees’ interest is particularly notable. They’ve been linked to a potential reunion with Paul Goldschmidt, but France could offer a lower-cost, right-handed complement to lefty-hitting Ben Rice. The Mets are in a similar boat-looking for insurance and versatility as they continue to reshape their roster under a new front office regime.
Diamondbacks Weighing Options with France, Santana
Arizona’s interest in France is part of a broader search for a first-base upgrade. The D-backs are also reportedly keeping tabs on Carlos Santana, the veteran switch-hitter who, despite turning 40 in April, continues to draw attention thanks to his defensive prowess and clubhouse presence.
Santana’s offensive numbers last season weren’t particularly strong-he hit .219/.308/.325 with a 77 OPS+ across 124 games with the Guardians and Cubs-but he still managed to contribute 1.1 Wins Above Replacement, per Baseball Reference. That speaks to the value he brings beyond the batter’s box, especially with the glove.
Currently, the Diamondbacks project to go with Pavin Smith as their most-days first baseman. But both France and Santana represent potential upgrades-or at least experienced alternatives-for a team that’s clearly looking to fine-tune its roster ahead of what it hopes will be another postseason push.
First Base Market Heating Up Late
What we’re seeing here is a clear trend: teams prioritizing defense and experience at first base, even if the offensive upside isn’t elite. France and Santana may not be middle-of-the-order threats at this stage of their careers, but their ability to provide steady defense and professional at-bats is still valued-especially by contenders with playoff aspirations.
With camps opening soon, expect movement on these fronts sooner rather than later. Teams know that once pitchers and catchers report, the clock starts ticking louder. And for players like France and Santana, the right fit could come down to opportunity, role, and which team is most eager to lock in that final piece of the puzzle.