The New York Mets have contacted the representatives for free-agent infielder Ty France as they look to reinforce their lineup at first base this offseason. According to a source familiar with the situation, the club is exploring options to address the opening left by Pete Alonso’s departure.
Assessing First Base Options
With their outfield and the left side of the infield already settled, the Mets view first base—and potentially designated hitter—as the primary area to add outside help. At the GM meetings, baseball operations head David Stearns stated that he expects the team to supplement the position. Stearns noted that the Mets could either add a right-handed bat to platoon with left-handed hitter Jared Young or acquire a full-time starter, which would likely shift Young into the designated hitter role.
France, an eight-year veteran who has spent time with the Padres, Mariners, Reds, Twins, and Blue Jays, offers strong defensive credentials at first base, where he recently earned a Gold Glove. After settling for a minor league deal last winter with San Diego, he put together a productive campaign, hitting .295 with 21 home runs and an .865 OPS while showing gains in exit velocity and bat speed. Heading into his age-32 season, France is anticipated to land a multiyear major league contract.
Beyond France, the Mets are examining other free-agent possibilities. As reported by The Athletic, the team met with the agent for corner infielder Alec Bohm during the GM meetings. Right-handed hitter Paul Goldschmidt is also considered a potential option, while Jake Bauers is no longer available on the market.
Internal Options and Trade Targets
The Mets are also monitoring internal recovery while considering the trade market. Jorge Polanco remains an uncertainty after missing time due to injury and undergoing left ankle surgery in August. Stearns mentioned that Polanco’s rehabilitation is proceeding well, though the team will wait until spring training to assess his condition and define his role. Meanwhile, Marcus Semien is expected to get an opportunity to earn playing time at second base during spring training.
If the Mets opt for the trade route using their farm system depth, potential targets could include St. Louis’ Alec Burleson, Detroit’s Spencer Torkelson, or Texas’ Jake Burger. The team is also set to meet next week with Tarik Skubal, an outcome that could affect how aggressively they pursue options at the top of the first base market.
