Former All-Star Ty France Makes Padres' Opening Day Roster

France calls return to San Diego 'a full-circle moment' after up-and-down 2025 season.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:40pm

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Ty France, a former 2022 MLB All-Star, has made the San Diego Padres' Opening Day roster for the 2026 season. France, who started his career with the Padres before playing for the Seattle Mariners and other teams, is excited to be back where it all began. Despite a down year in 2025, France is confident he can contribute to the Padres' World Series aspirations this season.

Why it matters

The Padres are looking to improve on last year's early playoff exit, and adding a versatile, experienced player like France could provide a boost. France's return to San Diego also represents a 'full-circle moment' for the player, who is eager to help the team succeed.

The details

France, who has been in the majors since 2019, spent most of his career with the Seattle Mariners from 2020 to 2024 before a whirlwind 2025 season that saw him start with the Minnesota Twins and get traded to the Toronto Blue Jays. Despite a down year at the plate, France believes he made some key adjustments that will help him bounce back in 2026.

  • France made the Padres' Opening Day roster for the 2026 season.
  • The Padres' first game of the 2026 regular season is next Thursday against the Detroit Tigers.

The players

Ty France

A former 2022 MLB All-Star who is returning to the San Diego Padres, the team that originally drafted him, for the 2026 season.

San Diego Padres

A Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California, that is looking to improve on their early playoff exit in 2025 and make a run at the World Series in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“The journey I've had and the run I've had, it was special. And to be back here where it all started, and back with this group of guys, definitely excited about it. This is what we set out to do this offseason, was to be a part of this group.”

— Ty France

“But if you look at the expected numbers and stuff, it was a career best. So I just chalk it up as last year was a little bit unlucky. It's how the game goes sometimes, but there were definitely some small adjustments we made swing-wise. When I got to Toronto last year, the hitting staff there kind of helped me identify what I was kind of doing wrong, and really hammered that this offseason.”

— Ty France

What’s next

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The takeaway

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