The Toronto Blue Jays came heartbreakingly close to a World Series title last season-just one out away, in fact-before the Los Angeles Dodgers snatched victory in a dramatic seven-game showdown. That kind of loss doesn’t just sting; it shapes an offseason.
And for the Blue Jays, it sparked a more aggressive approach to roster construction. But even with that urgency, they couldn’t hold onto everyone.
One of the more notable departures? Bo Bichette, who’s now wearing Mets colors.
And while Bichette’s exit grabbed the headlines, it wasn’t the only piece of the roster puzzle to shift. On Monday, another former Blue Jay found a new home, as infielder Ty France signed a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres, according to Dennis Lin of The Athletic.
France, 31, is coming off a season where he quietly added a Gold Glove to his résumé-a testament to his defensive value. He split time between the Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays in 2025, and while his bat didn’t turn many heads, his glove certainly did. For Toronto, France appeared in 37 games, offering steady defense and a level of versatility that managers love to have in their back pocket.
Offensively, France posted a 91 OPS+ during his stint with the Blue Jays and an 88 OPS+ overall on the season. That’s a bit below league average, and it's been a few years-since 2023, to be exact-since he’s posted an OPS+ north of 100. Still, his track record suggests he’s capable of hovering around league average at the plate, and when you pair that with Gold Glove-caliber defense, there’s real value there.
For the Padres, this is a classic low-risk, potentially high-reward move. A minor league deal gives them flexibility, and France brings veteran experience, defensive reliability, and the kind of positional versatility that can quietly make a difference over a long season.
Even if he’s just a glove-first bench piece, he’s the type of player who can step in without the moment feeling too big. And if his bat finds a groove again?
San Diego could end up with a sneaky-good addition to its infield mix.