Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Last season the Minnesota Twins employed Carlos Santana at first base. His defensive acumen was on display nightly, and it culminated in the first Gold Glove of his career. Despite a 15-year career, and consistently strong defense, it was his first time receiving the award.
This season the Twins opted against running it back and instead tabbed Ty France as their starting first baseman. They paid him just $1 million and opened the door to constant playing time. Ultimately he got traded to the Toronto Blue Jays during the deadline fire sale, but that never impacted his defense.
Ty France wins first Gold Glove
Traditionally Gold Glove awards have been given to players that are assumed as good defenders while also producing offensively. That has shifted in recent seasons, and a more analytical lens has been placed on actual defensive stalwarts. Ty France did his part with the leather all season and is now being awarded for his efforts.
Your 2025 Rawlings Gold Glove Award Winner – AL First Base – Ty France#RawlingsGoldGloveAwards pic.twitter.com/ZEiQoB88dl
— Rawlings Baseball (@RawlingsSports) November 3, 2025
France played 101 games with Minnesota before playing his final 37 of the season with Toronto. He batted just .257/.320/.360, but his defense rated highly all year. Although there were certain periods where the eye test didn’t agree, France consistently made the routine plays and then executed the more difficult ones as well.
Despite moving him, the Twins can claim France’s Gold Glove award as another in their history. His achievement makes it consecutive seasons after Santana picked one up last year. He becomes the 16th Gold Glove winner in Twins history, and joins Santana, Doug Mientkiewicz, and Vic Power as winners at first base.
What a play by Ty France 😳 pic.twitter.com/6SMwTghZow
— MLB (@MLB) May 25, 2025
When France was named a finalist, Santana was in the group with him. It seemed uncertain as to who would win the award. France was also fighting against new teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr., but his metrics paced the trio. He posted 9 DRS (defensive runs saved), 10 OAA (outs above average), and 7 FRV (fielding run value).
Joe Mauer should have won a Gold Glove in 2017, but had the award taken from him by Eric Hosmer for the assumed defense and positive offensive output. Had Mauer won, he would have been the third player to ever win a Gold Glove at multiple positions, joining Placido Polanco and Darin Erstad.
Mentioned in this article: Carlos Santana Ty France
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