Former Seattle Mariners All-Star is entering Free Agency and needs a new team in 2025

Former Seattle Mariners All-Star first baseman Ty France will need a new team in 2025. He is set to enter free agency after being defeated by the Cincinnati Reds.

The following comes from MLBTradeRumors, which has some information on France’s contract structure:

He was supposed to be eligible for arbitration and he was projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz to earn $8.6 million in his final season in club control. Today’s outright and subsequent elections are effectively an early non-tender.

Given the impending financial obligations, it is understandable why the Reds want to leave France.

The 30-year-old France was designated for assignment by the Mariners in July and subsequently signed with the Reds. He hit just .223 for Seattle with eight home runs. However, since being acquired in 2020, he has been a valued member of the organization for a number of years. He helped Seattle break its drought in 2022 and made the All-Star Game that season. Throughout his life he was a .266 hitter with the M’s.

With the Reds he performed better during the last 52 games of the season. He hit .251 with five home runs and 20 RBI, perhaps benefiting from an easier travel schedule and a more hitter-friendly ballpark. The Reds missed the playoffs, as did the Mariners.

Given his age and previous track record, France should have no problem finding an opportunity this offseason, although it remains to be seen whether he will have to settle for a minor league deal or not.

The Sailors plan at first base is unclear at this time. Luke Raley is capable of filling this position, although he will most likely need a platoon mate.

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