Twins Sign All-Star First Baseman to Replace Gold Glove Winner

The Minnesota Twins’ spending capacity has ticked up of late, making them incredibly active in recent weeks. After signing Harrison Bader to sure up the outfield and Danny Coulombe to do the same to the bullpen, Twins president Derek Falvey hinted that more additions could be coming, and paid it off today.

Ty France signs with Minnesota Twins

Although Minnesota is still reportedly looking to add shortstop depth, it was the first baseman position that seemed the most unsettled. On Tuesday, they settled those 1B questions by signing former MLB All-Star Ty France to a one-year contract.

Twins have signed former Mariners All-Star IF (mostly 1B) Ty France to a one-year contract. Pending physical. Takes Headrick’s roster spot, and is an interesting addition to 1B mix. .813 OPS in 2021.

— Phil Miller (@MillerStrib) February 11, 2025

It was surprising to see left-handed relief pitcher Brent Headrick designated signed by the Yankees, since nobody knew he had ever been DFA’d by the Minnesota Twins in the first place. When that head-scratcher revealed itself earlier in the day, it was worth wondering if another move was coming.

Minutes later, the France signing broke. Now, Rocco Baldelli’s 2025 roster looks quite a bit different than it did just a few days ago. Until now, the plan at first base was still up in the air. Jose Miranda seemed the most likely option to take over for former Gold Glove winner Carlos Santana, but Edouard Julien was a plausible option too.

Jose Miranda posted terrible defensive metrics at first base in nearly 600 innings as a rookie two years ago. That makes it all the more shocking that Minnesota went with France, who has even worse numbers.

What are the Twins getting in France?

The former Mariners and Reds first baseman owned a -8 DRS (defensive runs saved) and -12 OAA (outs above average) last season. Those were the worst marks of his career, and he hasn’t really been a defensive asset since 2021. Arguably some of that was tied to a heel fracture last season.

Ty France blasts a home run and the Reds take the lead over Houston in the seventh inning!

France has NINE hits this series! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/xVugVwchje

— FanDuel Sports Network Cincinnati (@FanDuelSN_CIN) September 5, 2024

France owned a 127 OPS+ between 2020-2022 but he slashed just .234/.305/.365 last season with the Mariners and Reds. He’s not exactly a power hitter with 20 home runs as the high-water mark. While he doesn’t strike out a ton, he also doesn’t walk much either.

It’s a one-year deal for France with the Twins, meaning the future at first base remains uncertain. Top prospect Luke Keaschall played a bit of first base in the minors last summer. The aforementioned Julien, or even Royce Lewis could find a future home there.

Related: 2025 Minnesota Twins Opening Day Roster Projection (1.0)

Minnesota needs to be a much better team defensively this season. It’s hard to imagine France contributing to that pursuit. Miranda should still push him for playing time, but the veteran is clearly now the favorite to start.

The Twins haven’t had a regular first baseman since Joe Mauer, and even he was miscast for the role. It’s often a position that is seen as a fallback option. Still, the organization needs someone with a level of longevity to fall into the role.