Padres' .865 OPS All-Star gets $29 million free agency prediction originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
This year's Major League free agent class is weaker than most years.
Except for Randy Arozarena, Seiya Suzuki, and Jazz Chisholm Jr., there aren't many standout position players.
Teams in need of a first baseman could look to Jake Bauers, Alec Bohm, or veteran Paul Goldschmidt to help at the corner infield spot.
However, Ty France is another viable option. France had the best offensive season os his career in 2026, hitting .295/.363/.502 with 21 home runs and a 139 OPS+ in 133 games for the San Diego Padres.
San Diego could have interest in a reunion with the 32-year-old, but many other teams will likely be in the mix for the one-time All-Star.
"A resurgent 2026 doesn't erase 2023-2025, but it should earn France a nice multi-year free-agent deal," Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly wrote. "The two-year, $29 million deal that Ryan O'Hearn signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates last winter should be the baseline."
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France's excellent season could help him earn a contract similar to O'Hearn's in free agency.
He's also a superb defensive first baseman, accounting for 15 defensive runs saved this past season.
Gavin Sheets is under contract through 2027, but the Padres should prioritize re-signing France for the heart of their lineup even if regression is expected.
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