Padres to Add 1B Ty France to Opening Day Roster

France signs minor league deal, reunites with organization that drafted him in 2015

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:32pm

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The San Diego Padres are set to add first baseman Ty France to their Opening Day roster, according to a report from the San Diego Union-Tribune. France, who signed a minor league deal with the Padres before spring training, is batting .318 with two home runs and 12 RBIs in 17 spring training games.

Why it matters

The addition of France to the Padres' roster provides the team with a proven major league bat and versatile defender who can play first base. France is a former All-Star who has experience playing for multiple teams, giving the Padres depth and flexibility at a key position.

The details

France, 31, split time between the Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays last season, batting .277 with seven home runs and 52 RBIs in 138 games. In seven MLB seasons with five different clubs, the Southern California native is a career .262 hitter with 81 home runs and 364 RBIs in 840 games.

  • France signed a minor league deal with the Padres before spring training in 2026.
  • France is batting .318 with two home runs and 12 RBIs in 17 spring training games with the Padres.

The players

Ty France

A 31-year-old first baseman who was drafted by the Padres in 2015 and is now set to make the team's Opening Day roster after a strong spring training performance.

San Diego Padres

The Major League Baseball team that is adding Ty France to their Opening Day roster for the 2026 season.

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The takeaway

The Padres' decision to add Ty France to their Opening Day roster demonstrates the team's commitment to building a well-rounded roster with experienced players who can contribute both offensively and defensively.