Breaking: Rocco Clarifies Role of Ty France with Minnesota Twins

The first Spring Training game is now just a week away for the Minnesota Twins. On Saturday they officially announced the signing of first baseman Ty France.

He has previously been an All-Star, but was anything but last season. His deal is for just $1 million, and is only guaranteed if he makes the big league roster. Apparently he’s going to do even more than that.

Minnesota Twins are all-in on Ty France

A week ago the MN Twins were considering shortstop depth. That seems to be because they were considering the usage of Willi Castro at first base. Now they have Ty France and Rocco Baldelli doesn’t intend to play anyone else there.

“He’s going to play a lot. That’s really the best way of saying it. The kind of hitter that he is, this isn’t a platoon situation. I think he’s going to play. He’s a good, natural hitter. He’s made a name for himself in this game by going out there and just using the whole field, hitting a lot of line drives. Perfect for everything we’ve talked about going into this year for our team and the desires for our team, putting together good at-bats. At his core, that’s what he is.”

The offensive output was the worst mark of his career. Only during a 69-game rookie debut with the San Diego Padres did he post a lower OPS+ (84) than he had last season (92).

It is understandable offensively that Baldelli wouldn’t need to platoon his new first baseman. Over the course of his career, France has a .741 OPS against righties and a .753 OPS against southpaws. As a right-handed hitter, he also breaks up some of the lefties that sprinkle into Minnesota’s lineup.

Defense is the question for Twins and France

It’s entirely plausible that France winds up finding himself again offensively. He’s entering his seventh big league season and has a track record of being an above-average offensive performer. Unfortunately he was one of the worst defensive first baseman in baseball last season.

He suffered a heel fracture that definitely played a part, but the Twins are gambling on just how much of a part it played.

“When you don’t have a foot, it’s hard to do things. I don’t want to put all the blame on that. There was a lot that went into it.”

Across 1,105 innings at first base last season, France posted a career-worst -7 DRS (defensive runs saved). He also had a putrid -12 OAA (outs above average.) The guy he’s replacing, Gold Glove winner Carlos Santana, was worth 8 DRS and 14 OAA last season.

2023 wasn’t good for France by DRS measures either as he was worth the same -7 mark. Outside of that, he has rated average to slightly above defensively. If his heel is healthy, then he has a significant chance to be a much better player.

It’s a bit odd to see the Twins operate on this hope. Last year the club was 25th in DRS and 17th in OAA. More time from Carlos Correa will help. Harrison Bader is lightyears better than Manuel Margot. Still though, the infield defense could be an issue.

Minnesota is going to have France as their starter, but they’re breaking in new fits like Willi Castro and Edouard Julien already. Jose Miranda is the presumed backup, but he isn’t great with the glove either.

If this is going to work out, then the offense better find a way to be consistent and the pitching staff needs to hum. France has a chance to make a lot of money with the Twins this season. It also could crash and burn.