The recent decision by the Seattle Mariners to place first baseman Ty France on outright waivers comes amidst a teamwide offensive slump. This slump has resulted in the Mariners squandering a double-digit-game lead in the American League West. France, a former All-Star, has struggled since his return from the injured list, hitting a paltry .159/.275/.227 with one home run and four RBIs in 26 games.
With Ty France now on waivers, rookie Tyler Locklear is expected to step into the first-base duties for the Mariners. The move to place France on outright waivers means that teams can claim him and take on the remainder of his $6.78 million salary. Unlike Toronto outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, France was placed on irrevocable waivers, leaving him with the option to refuse an assignment to the minor leagues due to his more than five years of major league service.
Team Struggles
The offensive struggles of Ty France are mirrored by his teammates on the Mariners. Despite a strong start to the season, the team has seen a significant drop in performance. Although the Mariners boast one of the best pitching staffs in the league, their offense has been lackluster, ranking near the bottom in runs scored.
Seattle’s offseason acquisitions, including Mitch Garver, Mitch Haniger, and Jorge Polanco, have failed to deliver as expected. These players were intended to bolster the team’s offense but have struggled to make an impact. Ty France’s decline in performance only adds to the team’s offensive woes.
Ty France, originally a 34th-round draft pick out of San Diego State, has defied expectations as an unconventional first baseman. Standing at under 6 feet tall and batting right-handed, France has typically been a reliable presence in the Mariners’ lineup. However, his recent struggles at the plate have raised questions about his future with the team.
As the Mariners move forward without Ty France, they will be looking to regroup and find ways to spark their offense. With rookie Tyler Locklear stepping into the first-base role, the team will need to rely on its other offensive weapons to turn the tide. Whether France will latch on with another team remains to be seen, but his tenure with the Mariners has come to an end.
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