The San Diego Padres recently strengthened their roster by reaching minor league agreements with veteran first baseman Ty France and right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler, according to various media outlets. These additions are poised to provide the team with valuable depth in both the infield and the pitching rotation, signaling a strategic move to enhance competitiveness in the upcoming season.
France, a former draft pick of the Padres in 2015, is making a return to the organization. His agreement reportedly includes an invitation to major league spring training, contingent on passing a physical examination. The 31-year-old infielder earned a Gold Glove in 2025 while splitting time between the Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays, where he posted a .257 batting average, seven home runs, and 52 RBIs in 138 games. His most successful season came in 2022 with the Seattle Mariners, achieving a career-best .274 average, 20 home runs, and 83 RBIs, which earned him an All-Star selection. Across his seven-year career with multiple teams, France holds a .262 average with 81 home runs and 364 RBIs over 840 games.
Buehler, also 31, is striving to recapture his peak performance after missing the entire 2023 season due to a second Tommy John surgery. From 2017 to 2022, he was a dominant force for the Los Angeles Dodgers, compiling a 46-16 record with a 3.02 ERA in 115 appearances (106 starts). Following his recovery, Buehler pitched for the Dodgers in 2024 and then for the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies in 2025, recording a combined 11-13 record with a 5.10 ERA over 42 games (40 starts). Despite a $21 million one-year deal with the Red Sox, he was released mid-season before finding success with the Phillies, where he posted a 3-0 record with a 0.66 ERA in limited appearances. A two-time All-Star, Buehler played a crucial role in the Dodgers' 2020 and 2024 championship runs, boasting an impressive 2-0 record, a save, and a 0.75 ERA in World Series games. He is expected to contend for the Padres' fifth starting pitcher slot, while France will likely serve as a reserve, with newly acquired Nick Castellanos reportedly slated for the primary first base role.
The Padres' acquisition of these two experienced players underscores a commitment to building a resilient and competitive team. France's reliable bat and defensive prowess, coupled with Buehler's potential to return to ace-level form, offer significant upside. Their journeys highlight the perseverance and dedication required in professional sports, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, athletes can overcome setbacks and contribute meaningfully to their teams' success, inspiring fans and aspiring players alike.