What Does the Signing of Ty France Mean For Jose Miranda?

[Sherry Cerny]

The Twins made a few moves near the end of the offseason. After Carlos Santana returned to the Guardians, first base wasn't a huge priority, though the signing of Ty France does create some questions. 

Image courtesy of © Jonah Hinebaugh/Naples Daily News/USA Today Network-Florida / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Did the Twins need to bring in Ty France when they already had someone like Jose Miranda who can play first base? On the heels of Carlos Santana leaving via free agency, it’s possible that the club wanted to create a little competition rather than just having Miranda completely take over at first base. 

First In, First Out?
We don't know if Miranda was upset about the front office's decision to bring France in. If so, he hasn't acted like it. He hasn’t been the player he was in his outstanding rookie season of 2022. Unfortunately, Miranda was limited to just 40 big-league games in 2023, fighting a shoulder injury most of the season. He had surgery after that season. Last year was mixed with ups and downs. He had an MLB-record hits in 12 consecutive at-bats but then, like several others, really struggled down the stretch. Not even the sausage's magic helped them. Frankly, Miranda’s injuries, performance and lack of consistency makes the front office’s concern understandable. 

In 2024, he played three positions, most frequently first and third base. With Santana playing Gold Glove defense, Miranda wasn’t needed at first as much. However, manager Rocco Baldelli continued to get him time there to keep him fresh.

Third base is called the hot corner for a reason; it’s one of the most-challenging positions to play. All six of Miranda's errors in 2024 came at the hot corner, which is certainly not surprising. Miranda often spelled Royce Lewis at third base. 

New Kid At First Base?
It's not that France is better than Miranda. Comparatively, Miranda had much better appearances at the plate than France did last season. 

 

France isn't usually a "slumpy" player. In fact, he enjoyed strong seasons with the Mariners in 2021 and 2022, earning an All-Star nod in ’22 when he was a last-minute addition after Mike Trout opted out due to back problems. 

Like Miranda, France struggled last season. His struggle came during the season after being hit by a pitch during a Royals game in June, fracturing his foot. Even with the injury, France posted a combined slash line of .234/.305/.365 with 13 home runs, 51 RBIs, and 46 runs scored. Had he not been injured, it may have been a different story. Or, perhaps, the trade between the Reds and Mariners and the Injury took a toll on him physically and emotionally. 

France has always been considered a good clubhouse guy. When the news of the Mariners DFAd him, and France entered free agency, there was a lot of concern that he was washed up. 

However, France bet on himself. He spent more time in free agency than he would have liked, but he was determined to be the player that everyone, including himself, remembered, France spent the offseason getting “back to basics” and not focusing on analytics, which seems to be this season's theme for many players. He worked on his swing with Twins legend Denny Hocking (whose uniform number was retired by the Twins a few years ago), plating his back foot and stabilizing more, allowing him to make more barrel connections.

Everyone Loves France
France has been looked at off and on by the Twins front office for a few years. It's early in camp, but it seems his hard work is paying off, and everyone loves him. The Twins front office loves to take players who have a chip on their shoulders. Maybe they had injuries or been passed over by other teams. 

Mainly a first baseman, France has spent limited time at second and third base in past years. According to Baldelli, he can use the whole field and is a quality defender. But the accolades don’t stop there.

During his introductory press conference earlier in the week, Baldelli mentioned that France would not be spending all his time at first base but that he is a strong stability player, a strong hitter who is not strictly in a platoon but will get plenty of at-bats. Baldelli and Tingler are familiar with France and sing his praises, leaving the base to believe that maybe Miranda is being left behind and has to fight for a roster spot. 

Room for Two?
It’s not a rarity that players have to fight for a position in spring training, but the light seems dimmer and dimmer for Miranda to have a permanent place in the lineup with France at first and Royce Lewis at third. 

The Twins don't want a full-time DH, but Miranda and France are both likely to get at-bats in that role. So will Edouard Julien and any number of the team's veterans to keep them off of their feet for a day.  

It’s early in spring training, and there are many things to iron out, but at this point, the front-runner for first base seems to be Ty France according to the Twins manager. It will be interesting to see how the starting lineup for Opening Day shakes out. Over the course of a 162-game season, the Twins are likely to need contributions from both players. 

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[dberthia]

Stay frosty, Jose. I'm guessing France will be benched and/or released by June 1st.

[Jacksson]

Management better hope that France brings something to the table since, although he was signed as a free agent, his addition cost the Twins the services of: Ronny Henriquez, Brent Headrick for NOTHING and Michael Helman for pocket change as well as probably costing them a pleasant long term relationship with Jose Miranda and possibly, if he is moved to 2B, Royce Lewis.

[PatPfund]

Look at what the team did, not what it says. France has a small non-guaranteed contract; this is essentially a spring try-out/showcase. If Miranda hits he'll be playing., regardless. If France doesn't hit and Julien or Lee do,  Ty won't make the team. Even if France does hit his way onto the team (and there is certainly a path), Miranda is only in danger of being bypassed if he doesn't play well, which is pretty much the story of MLB (as recent All-Star France can tell you).

[USAFChief]

Cannibalism, only with worse writing. 

 

 

[Markdumont25]

Denny Hocking is a twins legend?

[ashbury]

3 hours ago, Sherry Cerny said:

He worked on his swing with Twins legend Denny Hocking (whose uniform number was retired by the Twins a few years ago)

[Fatbat]

@Jacksson signing 1 FA doesn’t lead to losing 3 players.  3 guys in means 3 guys off the 40 man.  
 

It would be nice to have allstar version on Ty France, what are the chances of it tho?

[Nashvilletwin]

What does France’s signing mean for Miranda?  It means Miranda’s agent is asking (again?) for a trade.  Btw, same for Julien….

[bean5302]

.284/.322/.441 OPS .763 wRC+ 115. Yep. Jose Miranda had a real terrible year in 2024. Probably should just DFA and release him. After all, almost 33% of MLB hitters were as productive at the plate as he was. The bum. Everybody knows if you're not in the top 10%, you might as well hang up the cleats.

[Doctor Gast]

In '22 Lewis did a great job subbing for Correa while on the IL, when he came back instead of squeezing Lewis at 3B to get in ABs they put him in CF. He got hurt right away & they brought up Miranda to sub at 3B. In his 2nd chance, Miranda shone. After the '22 season, they pretty much told Miranda that 3B was his, Gio Urshela did a very good job at 3B & added SS depth when SS was up in the air but they gave him away so Miranda would have primary 3B responsibility. News of the offseason was that Miranda conditioning very hard. Miranda had an average arm which would be tested at the MLB level. Miranda must have overdone his arm conditioning because he came into camp with a sore shoulder, which shortly landed him on the IL & shoulder surgery. 

At 1B we had Sano who was worthless at this point & Arraez who was far from ideal & no prior 1B experience. My point is why was Urshela let go & Miranda groomed at a more demanding 3B when he was much more suited for 1B but is deemed unfit by Baldelli? Miranda is a great hitter when healthy so why was Miranda put at a demanding 3B comprimising his shoulder while recuperating instead of committing him to 1B/ DH? Even while playing hurt Miranda has outproduced France. France has been terrible defensively in every position he has played even at 1B which has been playing for the last few years. Miranda has much more potential at 1B so why not commit him there? Instead of committing that position to France. Baldelli has venomously supported his claim that 1B is so important defensively so why committing 1B to a hack at 1B. Now I support the acquision of France & I hope he can find his bat & become a decent DH & 1B backup. Miranda took his appointment at 3B very seriously. I don't think he'll take 1B less seriously & doesn't need the extra pressure from Baldelli to produce & time at 1B given away to France in this valuable time of spring training. I don't understand Baldelli's passion of having temporary outside old veterans to take the place of our capable long-term young players to help grow the Twins.

[dxpavelka]

11 hours ago, Jacksson said:

Management better hope that France brings something to the table since, although he was signed as a free agent, his addition cost the Twins the services of: Ronny Henriquez, Brent Headrick for NOTHING and Michael Helman for pocket change as well as probably costing them a pleasant long term relationship with Jose Miranda and possibly, if he is moved to 2B, Royce Lewis.

How about if we exchanged that "pleasant long term relationship with Jose Miranda" to "lighting a fire under his ass?"

 

[dxpavelka]

What it means for Miranda is that maybe it's time to turn promise into productivity.  You can't make soup out of promise.

 

[DJL44]

2 minutes ago, dxpavelka said:

What it means for Miranda is that maybe it's time to turn promise into productivity.  You can't make soup out of promise.

 

Miranda can play worse than he did last year and still out-perform what Ty France did in 2024.

[rv78]

Less playing time. Once again the Twins push a young player to the back instead of letting him take over a position and become a full-timer. I wonder how many Championships they would have won if Hrbek, Gaetti and the rest of the players that led the team to the '87 and '91 titles had been treated the same way? Answer=Zero.

Let's see........ Rocco can have Miranda play 1B today, 3B tomorrow, DH on Thursday, Off day on Friday and be back at 1B on Saturday. Rest on Sunday, Back to 1B Monday, etc, etc..... Imagine if Hrbek or Gaetti were treated the same way. Then everyone wonders why the Twins are one of the worse fielding teams in the majors and can't hit when they need to. It's a joke.

[Mark G]

2 hours ago, Doctor Gast said:

In '22 Lewis did a great job subbing for Correa while on the IL, when he came back instead of squeezing Lewis at 3B to get in ABs they put him in CF. He got hurt right away & they brought up Miranda to sub at 3B. In his 2nd chance, Miranda shone. After the '22 season, they pretty much told Miranda that 3B was his, Gio Urshela did a very good job at 3B & added SS depth when SS was up in the air but they gave him away so Miranda would have primary 3B responsibility. News of the offseason was that Miranda conditioning very hard. Miranda had an average arm which would be tested at the MLB level. Miranda must have overdone his arm conditioning because he came into camp with a sore shoulder, which shortly landed him on the IL & shoulder surgery. 

At 1B we had Sano who was worthless at this point & Arraez who was far from ideal & no prior 1B experience. My point is why was Urshela let go & Miranda groomed at a more demanding 3B when he was much more suited for 1B but is deemed unfit by Baldelli? Miranda is a great hitter when healthy so why was Miranda put at a demanding 3B comprimising his shoulder while recuperating instead of committing him to 1B/ DH? Even while playing hurt Miranda has outproduced France. France has been terrible defensively in every position he has played even at 1B which has been playing for the last few years. Miranda has much more potential at 1B so why not commit him there? Instead of committing that position to France. Baldelli has venomously supported his claim that 1B is so important defensively so why committing 1B to a hack at 1B. Now I support the acquision of France & I hope he can find his bat & become a decent DH & 1B backup. Miranda took his appointment at 3B very seriously. I don't think he'll take 1B less seriously & doesn't need the extra pressure from Baldelli to produce & time at 1B given away to France in this valuable time of spring training. I don't understand Baldelli's passion of having temporary outside old veterans to take the place of our capable long-term young players to help grow the Twins.

Yes!  Better look out, though; I took a lot of arrows back when I lobbied tor Urshela to stay, and I doubt any minds have changed since.  😉

As for Baldelli, I don't understand anything he does.  😏

[RpR]

2 hours ago, Doctor Gast said:

In '22 Lewis did a great job subbing for Correa while on the IL, when he came back instead of squeezing Lewis at 3B to get in ABs they put him in CF. He got hurt right away & they brought up Miranda to sub at 3B. In his 2nd chance, Miranda shone. After the '22 season, they pretty much told Miranda that 3B was his, Gio Urshela did a very good job at 3B & added SS depth when SS was up in the air but they gave him away so Miranda would have primary 3B responsibility. News of the offseason was that Miranda conditioning very hard. Miranda had an average arm which would be tested at the MLB level. Miranda must have overdone his arm conditioning because he came into camp with a sore shoulder, which shortly landed him on the IL & shoulder surgery. 

At 1B we had Sano who was worthless at this point & Arraez who was far from ideal & no prior 1B experience. My point is why was Urshela let go & Miranda groomed at a more demanding 3B when he was much more suited for 1B but is deemed unfit by Baldelli? Miranda is a great hitter when healthy so why was Miranda put at a demanding 3B comprimising his shoulder while recuperating instead of committing him to 1B/ DH? Even while playing hurt Miranda has outproduced France. France has been terrible defensively in every position he has played even at 1B which has been playing for the last few years. Miranda has much more potential at 1B so why not commit him there? Instead of committing that position to France. Baldelli has venomously supported his claim that 1B is so important defensively so why committing 1B to a hack at 1B. Now I support the acquision of France & I hope he can find his bat & become a decent DH & 1B backup. Miranda took his appointment at 3B very seriously. I don't think he'll take 1B less seriously & doesn't need the extra pressure from Baldelli to produce & time at 1B given away to France in this valuable time of spring training. I don't understand Baldelli's passion of having temporary outside old veterans to take the place of our capable long-term young players to help grow the Twins.

France will be a 1st base back-up in the same manner Santana was a back-up for Kirilloff.

Not going to happen.

[sweetmusicviola16]

Rocco has already stated that France isn't a backup or even a platoon guy. If France makes the Twins he will play and play a lot. The only way France doesn't is if he doesn't make the team out of ST. Which I doubt happens. I think France breaks with the club and plays a lot. What does this mean for Miranda? Less playing time. Less of a chance to get in a groove and become comfortable as a 1B and a full time player. Not only does it effect Miranda but it will also effect Larnach because with France and Bader on the team there will be more players vying for DH AB's as well. These players should be as developed as they can get but they will learn to sit until the Twins cut them loose and they can play for another team.

[Nashvilletwin]

1 hour ago, sweetmusicviola16 said:

until the Twins cut them loose and they can play for another team.

Yep. The sooner the better for all of them: Miranda, Larnach, Julien, Martin, Lee, Wallner, Keaschall and ERod.  Each of these “top”/promising prospects will be subject to the signing of a washed up vet as long as they are a Twin.  None, I repeat, none of them will ever reach their full potential as ball players under Rocco.  That’s just the plain truth.  

BTW, I like each of these youngsters and hope they get their wish for a real chance like Speer, Rooker, and CES.  Please trade one of them to the Reds and Terry Francona.

[sweetmusicviola16]

46 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Yep. The sooner the better for all of them: Miranda, Larnach, Julien, Martin, Lee, Wallner, Keaschall and ERod.  Each of these “top”/promising prospects will be subject to the signing of a washed up vet as long as they are a Twin.  None, I repeat, none of them will ever reach their full potential as ball players under Rocco.  That’s just the plain truth.  

BTW, I like each of these youngsters and hope they get their wish for a real chance like Speer, Rooker, and CES.  Please trade one of them to the Reds and Terry Francona.

I agree. Aside from Lewis who has developed into a full-time ML player under this regime? I think Lewis is a player but hasn't stayed healthy enough to stay on the field. That isn't on Baldelli. But Wallner is an interesting player. I believe he could be a great hitter. But its been decided that he can't hit LHP. This has been decided on some 80 ML PA's. 80. So he becomes a Twins platoon player based on 80 PA's. Wow. Wow and wow.  

[Blyleven2011]

14 hours ago, Fatbat said:

@Jacksson signing 1 FA doesn’t lead to losing 3 players.  3 guys in means 3 guys off the 40 man.  
 

It would be nice to have allstar version on Ty France, what are the chances of it tho?

Well according to FO and Rocco  the chances are pretty high , as once again they live on hope on a veteran ...

Miranda a better hitter and fielder ( not by much )

This team is such a wreck with pohlads  , FO and Rocco   ...

Also I for one was not naive to believe  the twins will be sold  , they are exploring the sale and now might pull it off the market  , season ticket holders beware ...

[Nashvilletwin]

32 minutes ago, sweetmusicviola16 said:

I agree. Aside from Lewis who has developed into a full-time ML player under this regime? I think Lewis is a player but hasn't stayed healthy enough to stay on the field. That isn't on Baldelli. But Wallner is an interesting player. I believe he could be a great hitter. But its been decided that he can't hit LHP. This has been decided on some 80 ML PA's. 80. So he becomes a Twins platoon player based on 80 PA's. Wow. Wow and wow.  

Jeffers came up under Rocco.  He’s been a position player success for sure.  I’ll give that one to this regime (even though it’s not like Rocco had much choice on which position he’d play so it was hard to ruin his defense and/or confuse him).

Lewis has been a disappointment even with the injury excuse.  The fact is that he is a below average 3B and still hasn’t found his true position.  The CF decision by Rocco was a disaster for more than just the obvious reason.  But, yes, he’s the closest. But has his potential to date been attained?  Will it ever?

I love Wallner.  Love to watch him hit and throw.  But, yes, he still seems destined to be platooned and not get those ABs (and especially high leverage ABs) against lefties.

 

[Blyleven2011]

6 hours ago, Doctor Gast said:

In '22 Lewis did a great job subbing for Correa while on the IL, when he came back instead of squeezing Lewis at 3B to get in ABs they put him in CF. He got hurt right away & they brought up Miranda to sub at 3B. In his 2nd chance, Miranda shone. After the '22 season, they pretty much told Miranda that 3B was his, Gio Urshela did a very good job at 3B & added SS depth when SS was up in the air but they gave him away so Miranda would have primary 3B responsibility. News of the offseason was that Miranda conditioning very hard. Miranda had an average arm which would be tested at the MLB level. Miranda must have overdone his arm conditioning because he came into camp with a sore shoulder, which shortly landed him on the IL & shoulder surgery. 

At 1B we had Sano who was worthless at this point & Arraez who was far from ideal & no prior 1B experience. My point is why was Urshela let go & Miranda groomed at a more demanding 3B when he was much more suited for 1B but is deemed unfit by Baldelli? Miranda is a great hitter when healthy so why was Miranda put at a demanding 3B comprimising his shoulder while recuperating instead of committing him to 1B/ DH? Even while playing hurt Miranda has outproduced France. France has been terrible defensively in every position he has played even at 1B which has been playing for the last few years. Miranda has much more potential at 1B so why not commit him there? Instead of committing that position to France. Baldelli has venomously supported his claim that 1B is so important defensively so why committing 1B to a hack at 1B. Now I support the acquision of France & I hope he can find his bat & become a decent DH & 1B backup. Miranda took his appointment at 3B very seriously. I don't think he'll take 1B less seriously & doesn't need the extra pressure from Baldelli to produce & time at 1B given away to France in this valuable time of spring training. I don't understand Baldelli's passion of having temporary outside old veterans to take the place of our capable long-term young players to help grow the Twins.

The twins supporting cast are only hurting their players potential  and that mean less trade value with this platoon crap and not playing their younger player , like others have said , I just don't understand  where the FO and Rocco are coming from ...

Also I posted a week or so that this platooning crap , we will never see a HOF'er out of this bunch of twins homegrown players  ...

[RpR]

1 hour ago, Blyleven2011 said:

The twins supporting cast are only hurting their players potential  and that mean less trade value with this platoon crap and not playing their younger player , like others have said , I just don't understand  where the FO and Rocco are coming from ...

Also I posted a week or so that this platooning crap , we will never see a HOF'er out of this bunch of twins homegrown players  ...

I agree the platooning item has become inane but then so has the blaming any one but the players for their failures.

It would seem from so many views here that when Baldelli walks in the room and looks at them with his Rasputin eyes they just fall apart, no fault of their own.

IF, if Baldelli is now making them practice the basics, maybe there will be a fielding improvement.

[dxpavelka]

16 hours ago, DJL44 said:

Miranda can play worse than he did last year and still out-perform what Ty France did in 2024.

This just in.  We have learned that points will NOT be awarded for last year.  And for that matter, I have little doubt that Miranda can play worse than he did last year.  Seems the team might feel that way as well.  Hence, the presence of France.  OR, he could play BETTER than he did last year.  As could France.  THIS, it has been learned is why they will play the games.

[DJL44]

9 hours ago, dxpavelka said:

This just in.  We have learned that points will NOT be awarded for last year.  And for that matter, I have little doubt that Miranda can play worse than he did last year.  Seems the team might feel that way as well.  Hence, the presence of France.  OR, he could play BETTER than he did last year.  As could France.  THIS, it has been learned is why they will play the games.

True, but what does it say to bring in France?

"You'd better improve or we'll bring in someone worse than you to take your playing time"

[dxpavelka]

10 hours ago, DJL44 said:

True, but what does it say to bring in France?

"You'd better improve or we'll bring in someone worse than you to take your playing time"

OR they don't believe France is worse.  Which speaks not well for Mr. Miranda.  Might I remind you of the  light in which most of viewed Mr. Santana in a year ago and Mr. Solano in two years ago.  Hell even two months into the season two years ago Mr. Solano had FIVE RBI.  Santana won a Gold Glove and we don't sniff the post-season in 2023 without Solano's contributions.  Seems like sometimes the team knows some stuff we don't.

[Danchat]

The way some folks (mainly those writing articles here) talk about France act as if we won a bidding war to sign him whereas his contract guarantees him nothing. Now it's evident he'll be on the team and for at least the start of the year will get a lot of PAs, but it's essentially a minor league contract, implying that other teams didn't see him as other of being on a major league roster. This has shades of Logan Morrison, who was also 30 at the time of signing...

[DJL44]

2 hours ago, dxpavelka said:

OR they don't believe France is worse.  Which speaks not well for Mr. Miranda. 

I'd say it speaks not well for their talent evaluators

[dxpavelka]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

I'd say it speaks not well for their talent evaluators

guess that's why they play the games