Ty France Free Agency Rumors: Ex Reds' star willing to become a catcher amid Free Agency sweepstakes

Although he split the 2024 season between two teams, Ty France still found a way to put up a decent season. Far from the best of his career, but the newly minted free agent has further proved his utility to an MLB lineup.

Earlier this month, the 30-year-old's one-year, $6.78 million deal expired, rendering him a free agent. Although rumor has it that France has some offers in hand, new indications from MLB.com's Mark Feinsand indicated that France may be asked to change positions.

"Per sources, 10+ teams have interest in free agent Ty France, who has at least one guaranteed offer. France has primarily been a 1B, but he’s also played 2B & 3B. Word is he’s also willing to catch; he made the Padres as a utility man and 3rd-string catcher early in his career." - Mark Feinsand

According to Feinsand, Ty France is open to playing catcher if it means leveraging a better deal. As Mark Feinsand pointed out in his post on X, France is not a stranger to the position. He played catcher in the San Diego Padres organization early in his career, but has never appeared as a backstop in an MLB game.

Of the 639 games that France has played in his career, 530 of those appearances have come as a first baseman. In 2024, he appeared at second base in one game for the Seattle Mariners before his July trade to the Reds. After first base, France's 54 games at second represent his second-most tendered position.

"Ty France hits his first HR as a Cincinatti Red to CF!" - Jake | Raise the Trident

In his 2024 campaign, split between the Mariners and Cincinnati Reds, France hit .234/.305/.365 with 13 home runs and 51 RBIs. A 20-home run hitter during his All-Star season of 2022, France's future team will also be hoping for an improvement at the dish.

Ty France seeks new beginning out of free agency

Prior to his trade to the Reds in July, France was placed on waivers by the Mariners after hitting .223 through the first 88 games. As the first baseman told ESPN at the time:

"A little caught off guard, but I mean, I understand at the end of the day, it's a business. I'm not performing to the best of my ability, so anything could happen."

After these new indications that he willing to change positions, France is clearly set on rejuvenating his career, both offensively and defensively.