Overview
- Multiple outlets reported on Nov. 13–14 that the Mets have shown interest in Ty France, who now ranks alongside Alec Bohm as a leading external first-base target.
- France posted career highs in 2026 with a 4.5 bWAR, 21 home runs, 130 hits and a 139 OPS+, a rebound that has raised his free-agent value.
- Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said the team wants to upgrade first base and is open to signing a full-time player or adding a platoon partner for Jared Young.
- Jake Bauers’ reported Nov. 11 signing with Boston removed a top option from the market and, together with the Dec. 1 CBA expiration, has tightened New York’s offseason timeline and likely pushed the club toward shorter, cost-controlled deals or free-agent moves.
- France is viewed as a cheaper, lower-risk path than a trade for an established first baseman, but his uneven 2024–25 performance means the Mets must weigh his 2026 upside against questions about consistency.