The Arizona Diamondbacks have several significant roster needs, but they are entering the offseason expecting their payroll to decrease somewhat for 2027.

That financial outlook will require general manager Mike Hazen and the front office to work deliberately, directing their limited resources toward the areas requiring the most immediate improvement.

First base created a serious problem for the Diamondbacks throughout the season. Arizona received the least productive performance at the position in MLB, with its .636 OPS ranking last by nearly 30 points.

Ildemaro Vargas, Tim Tawa, José Fernández and Smith each provided some encouraging moments. However, none delivered the dependable power Arizona needed from the position.

Ty France could offer a possible solution because he is capable of playing first base and also contributing as a designated hitter.

France performed exceptionally well for the San Diego Padres in 2026, hitting .295 with 21 home runs, 72 RBIs and an .865 OPS in 133 games. He continued producing during the postseason, hitting .318 with a double and two RBIs in six games.

France would give Arizona a more established offensive presence at a position that provided little consistent production. The Diamondbacks would not need to depend on several players rotating through first base while waiting for one of them to claim the job.

His ability to serve as the designated hitter would also give manager Torey Lovullo greater freedom when constructing the lineup.

France could remain involved offensively while another player handles first base, or he could take the field when Arizona wants to use the designated hitter spot differently.

The Diamondbacks need more than occasional power from the position. They require a hitter capable of producing competitive at-bats, driving runners home and preventing the bottom half of the lineup from becoming too easy for opposing pitchers to navigate.

France demonstrated last season that he can provide that type of presence. He does not need to carry the entire offense to make a meaningful difference.

Simply giving Arizona steady production at first base would represent a substantial improvement over what the team received in 2026.

France’s experience would also help stabilize a roster that may become younger as the organization reduces payroll and replaces departing free agents with players who have not reached arbitration eligibility.

The financial commitment would determine whether France represents a realistic target. Arizona cannot afford to overpay one player while leaving several other weaknesses unresolved.

However, first base is too important for the Diamondbacks to approach with another collection of uncertain options. France would address the position directly while also providing lineup flexibility.

Adding him would give Arizona a proven hitter, a clear first baseman and another designated hitter option. For a team operating with financial limitations, that combination could make him one of the most practical solutions available for 2027.