Pirates predicted to sign former All-Star Ty France
· Yahoo Sports
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a team to keep an eye on during free agency this offseason, as they look to take that next step toward making their first postseason appearance since 2015.
Their 82-80 record this past season provides hope for the future and makes them an intriguing team for free agents to sign with. One player that could be on their radar is San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France.
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“The Pirates have more than $20 million coming off the books from 2026, just between Brandon Lowe (who has a qualifying offer to decide on) and Marcell Ozuna. A portion of that could be reallocated to France, in hopes that he can help them build on their first winning season since 2018,” Bleacher Report contributor Tim Kelly wrote.
France, 32, was an All-Star in 2022 with the Seattle Mariners, who he helped reach the playoffs for the first time in 21 years. In the years to follow, France’s career took a bit of a downswing, which led to him being designated for assignment by the Mariners in 2024. While he struggled and bounced around the league with the Cincinnati Reds, Minnesota Twins, and Toronto Blue Jays, he ended up having a breakout year for the Padres in 2026.
He had a career-high 4.5 wins above replacement while participating in 133 games for the club. He batted .295 with 21 home runs and 72 RBIs, making him one of the top free-agent first basemen on the market.
France would be a strong upgrade compared to Spencer Horowitz, who played 114 games at first base for the Pirates this past season. If Pittsburgh wants to take that next step, they need to be aggressive in free agency, and signing France could be the move that helps them get closer to their goals.
BD community, what are your thoughts on the potential of signing France? Let us know in the comment section below.