Ty France's desire to stay with Padres is bad news for the Reds

In order to improve, the Cincinnati Reds could toy with the idea of signing a free-agent first baseman and moving Sal Stewart across the infield to third base. Perhaps no free agent better fits that plan than Ty France, who played for Cincinnati in 2024. Unfortunately, France, coming off a career year in San Diego, seems like he wants to keep the good times rolling on the West Coast.

After making his first (and to-date only) All-Star appearance with the Seattle Mariners in 2022, France put up middling numbers, including a .251/.292/.391 line during his 52-game stint with the Reds. He bolstered his defense and won a Gold Glove as a first baseman last season, and his bat finally woke up and registered an .865 OPS this year. In a weak class, he’s a valuable target, but he has firmly stated his commitment to re-signing with the Padres.

Ty France would be a perfect fit for the Reds, but he only has eyes for San Diego

It’s likely that the Padres would be interested in a reunion as well. France was perhaps the team’s most consistent offensive producer, and he and San Diego are itching for a chance to avenge their NLDS loss to Milwaukee (and his go-ahead homer that wasn’t).

Still, the Padres are at risk of losing a large portion of their roster with 19 players listed as free agents according to FanGraphs. Their need for starting pitching could override their desire to bring back France.

If France does hit the open market, he could be among the most sought-after free agents in this year’s class. Unlike last winter, when he signed with the Padres on a minor-league contract that ended up paying out $1.35 million, he’ll be a hot commodity that could inspire a bidding war that precludes the Reds.

Now, the Reds will be kicking themselves. A Gold Glove first baseman who can play some second base is exactly the type of player they need to optimize their lineup. They could have had him for a song a year or two ago, but now, when Cincinnati needs France the most, he is likely out of reach, and the Reds will have to turn elsewhere to address their most pressing needs.

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