The New York Mets have made more than enough moves this offseason to flip the script after a 2025 collapse. Signing and trading for multiple All-Stars, the Mets head into 2026 with one of baseball’s most threatening rosters. Still, there could be a final move or two done for the Mets before spring training gets underway.
MLB writer and insider Chris Cotillo reported on Monday that the Mets are among the teams interested in bringing in another former All-Star, first baseman Ty France. The New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, and Arizona Diamondbacks were also mentioned as teams interested in the 31-year-old. Cotillo reported that France’s market is ‘robust’ and is ‘moving.’
The Mets already have their first base situation figured out for 2026 despite losing star Pete Alonso earlier in the offseason. New York brought in infielder Jorge Polanco to take over at first, despite playing just one game at first in his career.
Advertisement
With Polanco’s lack of time at first base and his lower numbers at the plate against right-handed pitchers, however, the interest in France makes sense from New York’s perspective. One additional move to bring in France could provide the club with a solid backup option at first.
France is just three seasons removed from an All-Star campaign in 2022 with the Seattle Mariners. During that season, France hit 48 extra-base hits and drove in 83 runners. He finished the 2022 season with a slash line of .274/.338/.436 and a .774 OPS. Last season wasn’t as great, where he recorded just a .681 OPS.
He spent 2025 with the Minnesota Twins and the Toronto Blue Jays, where he saw a huge improvement on the defensive side of things. After recording -12 outs above average in 2024, France recorded 10 OAA last year – a huge 22-point swing.
His defensive improvement could prove vital if he were to land with the Mets, considering Polanco’s lack of experience at the position. If nothing more, France would put some minds in New York at ease over how the Polanco situation will play out.
Advertisement
As Cotillo reported, however, the Mets have some competition for the first baseman. Though it likely wouldn’t take more than a couple of million to sign the seven-year veteran, the Mets need to make their offer fast, with the Yankees, Padres, and Diamondbacks also eyeing France. His market is strong and moving fast, so the question of where he lands should be answered soon.