The resilient journeyman who rose from the 34th round to MLB All-Star

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Selected 1,017th overall in the 2015 MLB draft, Ty France has navigated a complex professional journey. From a $100,000 signing bonus to becoming an American League All-Star, his career is defined by an unusual ability to lead the majors in hit by pitch.

Tyler Lawrence France, born July 13, 1994, has become a notable figure in Major League Baseball through a career marked by significant movement between teams. Following a .337/.428/.470 collegiate stint with the San Diego State Aztecs between 2013 and 2015, he joined professional baseball through the 2015 MLB draft's 34th round. The San Diego Padres selected him as the 1,017th overall pick, signing him to a $100,000 bonus. Before entering professional ball, he attended South Hills High School in California. During his junior year at San Diego State, he recorded 49 RBIs.

France's career is characterized by high-impact statistical anomalies. He has twice led the major leagues in hit by pitch (HBP), once in 2021 with 27 instances and again in 2023 with 34. His value frequently stems from his capacity to reach base; while with the Padres in 2026, he posted a peak .865 OPS and earned the San Diego Baseball Writers' Association of America's MVP award. His defensive prowess was recognised in 2025 when he secured his first career Gold Glove. He also demonstrated significant power during his 2026 campaign by hitting 21 home runs.

His journey has seen him suit up for several franchises, including the Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays, and the San Diego Padres. Notably, he was named an All-Star in 2022 as an injury replacement for Mike Trout. By the end of 2025, his storied career featured his inaugural Gold Glove Award as an American League first baseman, reflecting his defensive growth alongside his hitting. He also made his major league debut on April 26, 2019.

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