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Under-the-radar free agent is only signing with the NY Mets if they push Jared Young aside

A perfect fit without a home.
ByBrandon Glick
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Aug 15, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Jared Young (29) in action against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images
Aug 15, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Jared Young (29) in action against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It was clear even after the New York Mets signed Jorge Polanco that first base remained a sore spot on the roster. It's nearly impossible to replace Pete Alonso, of course, but the front office hardly put their best foot forward in trying to do so in 2026.

As a team, the Mets accrued the worst fWAR (-1.4) from first basemen in the league this season. The struggles of Polanco and Mark Vientos played a big part in that, but it's also worth noting that Jared Young did his best to stabilize the position when he was called upon. A .266/.330/.429 (111 wRC+) slash line isn't going to make anyone forget about Alonso, but it does give David Stearns and company something to build around at the cold corner.

Of course, anyone who watched the Mets over the course of the year was privy to a clear problem: Young is made for a platoon. As great as he was against right-handed pitching (.793 OPS, 120 wRC+), he was completely untrustworthy against southpaws (.606 OPS, 72 wRC+). Naturally, that has fans itching for the team to sign a lefty-masher to join Young at first base in 2027.

Does that mean the organization could make a play for someone like Ty France in free agency?

Mets have the money, but not the role, to lure Ty France away from Padres

The appeal of France is obvious; he's a Gold Glove winner at first base who just experienced his best offensive season ever in a breakout role for the San Diego Padres. He hit 21 homers and posted a 141 wRC+ in 500 plate appearances, hammering both righties (.869 OPS) and lefties (.853 OPS). SNY identified him as a perfect "under the radar" free agency fit for the Mets this offseason.

The problem isn't so much the player himself, but rather what the Mets can offer him. Money shouldn't be an issue -- the Padres, even with new ownership in tow, are dealing with serious financial constraints -- but playing time would be. France established himself as a fan-favorite star in 2026 on a playoff-caliber team. To leave that comfort in favor of a platoon role on a retooling squad in New York likely won't have much appeal.

Again, money could be the great equalizer here. But France, who was openly mulling retirement last year, is going to want the security that comes with a starting job. He has no need for a change of scenery, regardless of the amount of dollars that are offered to him by interested clubs.

Besides, there are other players who fit the platoon description the Mets are looking for better. For instance, Paul Goldschmidt has been excellent in that role in recent years, and he'd fill David Stearns' annual quota of poaching Yankees players.

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