The Mariners have decided to place first baseman Ty France on outright waivers due to his recent struggles on the field. Since returning from the injured list, France has not been able to produce at the level expected of him. In the 26 games since his return, he has only managed to hit .159/.275/.227 with one home run and four RBIs in 102 plate appearances. This decline in performance led to the decision to put him on waivers, ultimately severing ties with the 30-year-old player.
Impact on the Team
With France being a key player in the Mariners lineup, his absence will leave a significant gap in the team’s offensive production. Rookie Tyler Locklear is expected to take over first-base duties, but it remains to be seen if he can fill the void left by France. The Mariners have been struggling as a team, squandering a double-digit lead in the American League West. Their offense has been lacking, scoring fewer runs than all but two other major league teams.
Teams now have the opportunity to claim France off waivers and take on the remainder of his $6.78 million salary. Since France was placed on irrevocable waivers, he cannot be brought back to the Mariners even if he goes unclaimed. This move signifies the Mariners’ commitment to moving on from France and looking to make changes to improve their offensive output.
Throughout his tenure with the Mariners, France has shown flashes of potential, making the All-Star team two years ago and being a reliable presence in the lineup. However, his performance has dipped in recent years, culminating in his struggles this season. As a right-handed hitter under 6 feet tall, France has defied the traditional mold of a first baseman, but his ability to hit for average and avoid strikeouts has made him a valuable asset in the past.
The Mariners’ offensive struggles extend beyond just Ty France. Many of the team’s key players have been underperforming, leading to their decline in the standings. Offseason acquisitions like Mitch Garver, Mitch Haniger, and Jorge Polanco have failed to provide the expected offensive boost. The team’s offense has been a major concern, especially considering their strong pitching staff that has allowed the second-fewest runs in the major leagues.
Moving forward, the Mariners will have to find a way to overcome their offensive woes and get back on track. With the departure of Ty France, they will need to rely on other players to step up and fill the void left by his absence. While the team’s pitching has been a bright spot, their lack of run production has been a major hindrance. It will be interesting to see how the Mariners adjust to this change and if they can turn their season around.
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