Ty France should be one of Padres’ priorities this offseason

France played at San Diego State University and was drafted by the Padres in 2015. He made his debut with the club in 2019 but eventually was sent to the Seattle Mariners in a trade along with outfielder Taylor Trammell, reliever Andres Munoz and catcher Luis Torrens in exchange for catcher Austin Nola and relievers Dan Altavilla and Austin Adams in 2020. It was a move that never seemed to make sense to the Friar Faithful.

France spent four years with the Mariners then bounced from Seattle to the Cincinnati Reds, Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays from 2024 to 2026. France returned to San Diego and took full advantage of his return. The right-handed slugger had 440 at-bats over 133 games and finished with 21 homers and 72 RBI. France ended the 2026 season with a slash line of .295/.363/.502. He solidified the cleanup spot in the Padres lineup and provided protection for Manny Machado in the No. 3 hole.

There is no question that France had a successful season at plate, but what he did in the field may have had an even greater impact. France provided Gold Glove caliber defense, which is supported by his nomination for the National League Gold Glove Award at the position. France allowed the infielders to play and throw free knowing if they short-hopped a throw or were offline to either side or up or down he was going to make a play and likely record the out.