The Twins’ late-winter shopping spree continues. Minnesota agreed to a one-year Major League deal with veteran infielder Ty France, the club announced on Saturday. The deal is worth $1 million non-guaranteed, a source told MLB.com.
France most likely becomes the leading candidate to be the Twins’ primary first baseman, which was the team’s biggest remaining positional question as Spring Training approaches. Carlos Santana departed as a free agent after a strong 2024 and had not yet been replaced.
France, 30, spent most of last season with Seattle before a Trade Deadline deal to the Reds. He posted a combined slash line of .234/.305/.365 with 13 home runs, 51 RBIs, and 46 runs scored. He enjoyed strong seasons with the Mariners in 2021 and 2022, earning an All-Star nod in ’22.
For his career, France is a .263/.337/.407 hitter with 74 home runs in 2,819 plate appearances. He’s played mostly first base in the Major Leagues but also spent a little bit of time at second and third, making him one of several Twins infielders who could be stationed at multiple spots.