All-Star Slugger Could Opt Out of Padres Contract Ahead of Opening Day

Ty France has an opt-out clause in his minor league deal with San Diego that he could exercise if he doesn't make the Opening Day roster.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The San Diego Padres signed former All-Star Ty France to a minor league deal last month. The 31-year-old has made a case to break camp with the team, but if he doesn't, he could elect to leave the organization in the next couple weeks. France has the ability to opt out of his contract on March 21, five days before Opening Day. If France knows he won't be on the Padres' Opening Day roster, he could give himself an opportunity to earn a roster spot with another team.

Why it matters

France was an All-Star in 2022 and provides the Padres with a solid bat off the bench and a plus-defender at first base, something the team is currently lacking. If he opts out, the Padres would lose that potential roster depth and flexibility.

The details

France is currently among the competitors for the final bench spot on the Padres' Opening Day roster. If Sung-Mun Song, who's dealing with an oblique injury, is forced to open the season on the injured list, there could potentially be two spots available. France, Jose Miranda, Bryce Johnson, Samad Taylor, Will Wagner and Mason McCoy are among the competitors. Johnson offers outfield depth, while Miranda and Taylor have impressed thus far in spring. Wagner and McCoy have both struggled and have option years, likely taking them out of the running for the final spot.

  • France has an opt-out clause in his contract on March 21, five days before Opening Day.
  • The Padres will finalize their Opening Day roster in the next two weeks.

The players

Ty France

A 31-year-old former All-Star who signed a minor league deal with the Padres in the offseason and is competing for a bench spot on the Opening Day roster.

Sung-Mun Song

A Padres player who is dealing with an oblique injury and could start the season on the injured list, potentially opening up an extra roster spot.

Jose Miranda

A player competing with France for the final bench spot on the Padres' Opening Day roster.

Bryce Johnson

A player competing with France for the final bench spot on the Padres' Opening Day roster, offering outfield depth.

Samad Taylor

A player competing with France for the final bench spot on the Padres' Opening Day roster who has impressed in spring training.

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What’s next

The Padres will have to decide whether to keep France on the Opening Day roster or allow him to opt out of his contract in the next two weeks.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the difficult roster decisions the Padres face, as they try to balance keeping a proven veteran like France while also evaluating younger players who have impressed in spring training. France's potential opt-out gives him leverage, but the Padres will have to weigh the value he could provide against the opportunity cost of losing other promising players.