When the Seattle Mariners acquired Ty France in August 2020, it appeared they had secured a versatile infielder whose bat could help lead them to sustained success.
France quickly found his stride in Seattle, seeing his career take off. In 2021 and 2022, he performed at least 25% above league average by OPS+, tallying 59 doubles, 38 home runs, 156 RBIs, and a .794 OPS over 292 games. His 7.4 bWAR during that span was also an impressive mark.
For reasons unknown, France’s production dipped in 2023, and by 2024, he contributed little to the Mariners. This decline led the team to move on from him, ending what had once been a strong tenure with the organization. His poor second-half performance with the Cincinnati Reds last season only reinforced that Seattle had made the right decision.
However, as is often the case in today’s game, France has found a new opportunity with an American League rival—the Minnesota Twins. Early spring training results indicate he could be poised for a major rebound.
Ty France looks to be on track for 2025 resurgence with AL rival
Sure, the sample size is small with spring training just getting underway, but France is off to a scorching start. He’s 7-for-13 with two doubles, two walks, and a staggering 1.523 OPS—numbers that would make him an easy MVP choice if they held up over a full season.
Instead, we’re in peak overreaction season. France has shown flashes of legitimate All-Star potential throughout his career, and for a solid two-year stretch, he was one of the most productive and valuable infielders in the AL West. There’s no reason to believe he’s completely finished just yet.
Watching former players rediscover their form elsewhere is never easy, but France was well-liked in Seattle, and it’s good to see him regaining his footing with a new team. As of now, he’s projected to be the Twins’ starting first baseman to open the season, meaning the Mariners will still be seeing plenty of him in the near future.
