The San Diego Padres stumbled out of the second half going 1-3. Somehow they still gained half a game in the NL Wild Card race. That tells you less about the Padres and more about the Cardinals and Marlins, who are both busy piling up losses right now. At 49-51, San Diego sits 2.5 games back of the final Wild Card spot with four other teams in front of them. It’s not great but it’s not dead either.
But if you’ve watched this team at all over the last few months you know the offense has been brutal. Like historically bad for stretches. The lineup has been carried by a guy who wasn’t even supposed to be their biggest threat at the plate: first baseman Ty France.
France is quietly putting together the kind of hot stretch that makes front offices pay attention. Since June 19, the 32-year-old has hit eight home runs with 20 RBIs and a 1.138 OPS across 22 games. That’s not just a good month. That’s a player who’s suddenly the most dangerous bat in a lineup that desperately needs one. For the season he’s at 14 homers, 39 RBIs and an .871 OPS in 73 games. The numbers before June were fine. The numbers since June are why A.J. Preller has a decision to make.
What the trade market looks like for France
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand pointed out something that matters for any team looking to buy: France is owed roughly $450,000 for the rest of 2026. That’s basically nothing for a rental power bat. He’s one of the best bargains available if you need a lineup boost and you don’t want to gut your farm system. The Padres have every reason to listen to offers.
They also have Mason Miller, whose name keeps popping up in trade chatter louder by the day. Losing Miller would hurt. He’s the best bullpen arm in baseball when he’s right. But one miserable season among otherwise good years doesn’t mean Preller will punt a 28-year-old closer. Then again, nothing is off the table with this front office.
The math is pretty simple here. If the Padres drop the next few series, France is probably gone. If they stay within striking distance, Preller might hold and make a run. Either way, France forced his way into the conversation. He wasn’t supposed to be the guy teams called about. Now he might be the guy who actually moves.
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