The Toronto Blue Jays are no strangers to change this offseason, and Bo Bichette’s departure was the headline move. The star shortstop signed a $126 million deal with the New York Mets-but with one big caveat.
He’s not staying at short. To secure the payday, Bichette agreed to shift over to third base, and there was even some interest in him as a second baseman.
It’s a reminder that in today’s free agent market, flexibility can pay off-literally.
Now, another former Blue Jay might be following a similar path. Ty France, a Gold Glove first baseman in 2025, is reportedly open to a position change in order to land his next deal. According to league sources, a few teams have approached France about the possibility of playing some second base.
That’s right-second base. For a guy who just earned top defensive honors at first, it’s a surprising ask.
But it’s not about a full-time switch. Teams still view France primarily as a first baseman, and rightly so.
His glove at first is elite, and no team is eager to move him off that spot permanently.
What they’re looking for is versatility-someone who can shift around the infield if the situation calls for it. And France has that in his tool kit. He’s logged time at second in the past, and while it’s not his natural home, he’s capable of handling the role in short stints.
The 31-year-old veteran had a solid showing in 2025, hitting .277 with a .693 OPS in 37 games for Toronto after coming over from the Twins. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but they’re steady-and when you pair that with Gold Glove-caliber defense, you’ve got a valuable piece for any roster.
France’s free agency has been quieter than some of the bigger names on the market, but with spring training creeping closer, interest is starting to pick up. Teams are always looking for reliable infield depth, especially if that player brings leadership, a dependable bat, and the kind of defensive chops France offers.
Unlike Bichette, France isn’t being asked to reinvent himself. He’s not making a permanent move across the diamond.
But he is being asked to stretch a bit-to show he can be more than just a first baseman. And in today’s league, where roster flexibility is king, that could be the difference between waiting and signing.
At this stage of the offseason, it’s about finding the right fit. For France, that likely means staying at first base most of the time-but being ready to move if the team needs it. And for a player with his resume and work ethic, that’s a pitch he can make with confidence.