The Cleveland Guardians are reportedly "in the mix" for Ty France, but does he make sense for the roster?
It’s no secret that the Cleveland Guardians didn’t cut it last year; the front office and manager have even admitted it this winter. It’s also no secret that the Guardians have been one of the quietest teams in the free agent market, outside of adding reclamation project pitchers.
However, it appears they still have their eyes on one veteran on the open market. Chris Cotillo reported on Thursday that the Guardians were one of three teams “in the mix” for Ty France.
France is a right-handed hitter with some strong seasons at the plate on his resume, but does he make sense as a fit with Cleveland, given who he is now and the makeup of the Guardians’ roster?
Does Ty France Make Sense for the Guardians?
The Guardians definitely need to find a way to get a proven bat into their lineup, but France doesn’t feel like the best option to do so for a few reasons.
The first is that he hasn’t been the hitter he was earlier in his career over the last two years. He has had multiple seasons with an OPS over .800, but that was five years ago. Since 2024, France has posted a slash line of .245/.312/.675 with an OPS+ of 92.
Sep 20, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first base Ty France (2) heads to the dugout after the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn ImagesSecond, with the Guardians being admitant they don’t want to block opportunities for their young players, it’s hard to see exactly where and when France would play.
He’s been a first baseman almost his entire career, and although a good defensive first baseman, Kyle Manzardo and C.J. Kayfus, with David Fry getting into the mix, are currently Cleveland’s options on the right side of the infield.
It would be one thing if France had incredible splits against left-handed pitching, but it’s not as overwhelming as one might think for a right-handed hitter. France has a career OPS of .743 off southpaws, and that was just .687 a year ago.
For reference, Manzarod’s OPS of lefties in 2025 was .672.
Sure, France would be a fresh face in Cleveland’s lineup, but Manzardo and Kayfus need reps there, and Fry as a viable option of lefty arms, it’s hard to see how France would fit with the Guardians’ roster.
Guardians Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Guardians. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.