First baseman Ty France was placed on outright waivers by the Mariners, as reported by ESPN, after showing signs of struggle upon his return from the injured list. Despite making the All-Star team two years ago, France has had a tough time finding his rhythm with a batting average of .159/.275/.227 in the 26 games since his return. With just one home run and four RBIs in 102 plate appearances, it was clear that a change needed to be made.
Mariners Teamwide Offensive Slump
The decision to place France on waivers comes amidst a teamwide offensive slump for the Mariners, who have seen a double-digit-game lead slip away in the American League West. Despite a strong start to the season, the Mariners have struggled to maintain their early success, with offensive woes plaguing the team in recent weeks.
Impact on the Team
With the rookie Tyler Locklear expected to take over first-base duties for the Mariners, the team is hoping for a fresh start and a turnaround in their offensive performance. It is clear that changes needed to be made in order to shake things up and get the team back on track.
Teams have the option to claim France and take on the remainder of his $6.78 million salary, but the Mariners placed him on irrevocable waivers, meaning that he can refuse an assignment to the minor leagues due to his more than five years of major league service. If he signs with a new team as a free agent, his new team will owe him a prorated portion of the major league minimum while the Mariners will pay the difference.
France was not the only player struggling offensively for the Mariners. Despite strong performances from players like Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh, the team has seen issues with key offseason acquisitions such as Mitch Garver, Mitch Haniger, and Jorge Polanco. The team’s offensive production has been lacking, with only the White Sox and Marlins scoring fewer runs than the Mariners.
Ty France’s Career
Originally a 34th-round draft pick out of San Diego State, France has been an unconventional first baseman due to his stature as a right-handed hitter under 6 feet tall. Despite this, he has shown promise in the past with reliable offensive production. However, this season has been a different story, with France batting .224/.313/.351 with eight home runs and 31 RBIs over 339 plate appearances.
The Mariners’ decision to place Ty France on waivers was a bold move in response to the team’s offensive struggles. With a need for change and a desire to shake things up, the team is hoping that this decision will lead to a turnaround in offensive performance and a return to their early-season success. France’s tenure with the Mariners may be coming to an end, but it is clear that both parties are looking towards a brighter future.