The Toronto Blue Jays may be facing one of the most difficult offseasons in recent memory.
After missing out on big free agents like Juan Soto and Roki Sasaki, the Mets added another name to the list when Pete Alonso agreed to terms with the team. However, they still have an option at first base. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s future in Toronto uncertain, this $70 million deal could persuade him to stay.
Ty France batted.234 with 13 home runs and 51 RBI in 2024 for the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds. France had a down year after hitting.250 in 2023 with the Mariners, but he still has a chance to rebound. If the Blue Jays sign France, he would be a potential bounce-back candidate after appearing in the Mariners’ All-Star game in 2022. That season, he hit.274 with 20 home runs and 83 RBIs. With France not being the best defender, the Blue Jays would need to get his bat back on track to justify the signing.
The ideal scenario would be a platoon of France and Guerrero Jr. at first base and designated hitter. France’s market value heading into the 2025 season is a five-year deal for somewhat less than $70 million.
This would give him an average annual worth of $14 million. However, a low year in 2024 would result in him earning significantly less. If he still wants a long-term deal for security, the Blue Jays might offer him a five-year contract worth $47.5 million with numerous performance-based incentives.