LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 08: Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Ty France (2) looks on during the MLB game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 8, 2025 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Toronto Blue Jays could have several opportunities to add power to their lineup this offseason as they look to bounce back from an offensive disappointment.

While the free-agent market offers plenty of potential options, one familiar name has emerged as an intriguing possibility at the top of the list after suddenly rediscovering his offensive production following a brief stint in Toronto.

First baseman Ty France is coming off a resurgent season with the San Diego Padres, giving him a considerably stronger position heading into free agency than he had in either of the previous two winters. Speaking about his remarkable turnaround shortly before he fields new contract offers, France praised Blue Jays hitting coach David Popkins for helping him identify the adjustment that might have saved his career.

“It was just like, what do I need to fix?” France recalled of his efforts to improve at the plate during his time with the Blue Jays in 2025 in an interview with The Athletic’s Will Sammon. “And I couldn’t put my finger on what it was. And so when Popkins told me, ‘Hey, this is what it is,’ and I was able to see almost immediate results, I was, like, ‘OK, I know I’m still the player I was prior to the ’24 season.’”

Free Agent Slugger Ty France Sends Toronto Blue Jays Message After Career Resurgence

France’s comments helped to pinpoint an adjustment that led to a dramatic improvement. After spending much of his career establishing himself as a productive contact hitter, the longtime infielder experienced a noticeable decline in production during the 2024 season.

He subsequently played for both the Minnesota Twins and Blue Jays in 2025, batting .257 with seven home runs and 52 RBI across 138 games. Toronto acquired France from Minnesota during the season, giving him an opportunity to work with Popkins before he returned to San Diego for this past season.

The results became considerably more encouraging in 2026. France hit .295/.363/.502 with 21 home runs and 72 RBI in 133 games for the Padres. His 21 home runs represented a career high, while his .865 OPS was a substantial improvement over the .680 mark he recorded in 2025.

That production has now made France an attractive option for teams searching for an experienced first baseman who can contribute meaningful offense.

Ty France Free Agency Decision Looms Ahead Of MLB Lockout

Multiple teams will be interested in signing France amid a relatively shallow free agent market, with a contract potentially coming together relatively quickly.

“It is fair to assume that France would be open to signing a contract in relatively short order,” Mark Polishuk noted for MLB Trade Rumors last week. “The lockout will begin once the collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1, adding some urgency to the proceedings for many teams and free agents over the next 24 days.”

A reunion with San Diego remains a possibility, but France’s connection to Toronto provides another interesting dimension to his market, particularly if he feels working with Popkins was key to his career. The Blue Jays have already seen firsthand what Popkins can bring out of the veteran first baseman. Whether that experience eventually translates into another opportunity in Toronto remains to be seen.