The San Diego Padres are going to need to figure out a way to advance their infield depth ahead of the 2026 MLB season as they look to be the team to contend with the Los Angeles Dodgers, not just in the National League West Division, but the National League as a whole.
*Prediction*
For the Padres, one of the top targets they could look to sign this free agency period that can help them in numerous ways is Ty France.
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The San Diego Padres, despite having talented batters in the lineup like Fernando Tatis Jr, Manny Machado, Jackson Merrill, and Xander Bogaerts, ended up finishing the 2025 season being ranked 28th in home runs and 22nd in slugging. They need more from their offense if they are going to get back on track fully as a team.
With the departure of Luis Arraez, and Ryan O’Hearn to free agency, the Padres have a big void at their first base spot, which adds to their major need of needing a versatile infielder that can help provide San Diego with someone that can give them a constant advantage against any opponent. That ideal free agent they can look to sign is Ty France.
Ty France is coming off a 2025 season in which he split time playing for the Minnesota Twins and the Toronto Blue Jays. Between both teams, he ended up finishing with a .257/.320/.360 slash line, and added on seven home runs and 52 runs batted in. Ty France has provided the consistency for the most part over his career from an offensive perspective, but being able to add on improved defense in 2025 to finish with 10 Outs Above Average, shows that he can provide value in numerous ways.
For San Diego, adding someone like Ty France who can provide an impact in the lineup at a cost-effective price, it could just end up being the move they need to solidify their roster for the 2026 season.