The New York Mets have a clear hole at first base that needs filling before the season starts. This week, General Manager David Stearns informed the media that the squad seeks to improve the role by using either a full-time participant or a platoon mate for Jared Young. Now two names are on the table: Ty France and Alec Bohm. Per Amazin Avenue, both players offer a different path to fix the lineup.
The Case for Ty France
Following a difficult period in earlier years, Ty France is emerging from his most productive offensive season yet. After signing a $6.8 million deal with the Mariners for the 2024 season, he hit the skids and was placed on outright waivers. He struggled with the Reds and split the 2025 season between the Twins and Blue Jays. But he returned to the Padres and put up huge numbers in 2026. France batted .295 with a .363 on-base percentage and 21 home runs. According to Rising Apple, France ought to be at the top of the priority list given his strong performance last year. He is entering his age 32 season and will likely get the biggest payday of his career.
The Value of Alec Bohm
Alec Bohm is in a very different spot. He lost some luster after a career with the Phillies that was solid but not spectacular. His 2026 line of a .249 batting average and 15 home runs looks good compared to his early-season struggles, when he posted a .433 OPS. The Athletic initially disclosed that the Mets convened with Bohm’s agents during the GM Meetings. Bohm is not a natural first baseman, but he played 424.2 innings at the position in 2026. He committed six errors and put up a +1 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) at first base in 2026. Rising Apple states that the right-handed batter crushes left-handed pitching and would suit perfectly as a platoon option alongside Jared Young.
The Current Roster Reality
Jared Young impressed on both sides of the ball last season after Pete Alonso departed. Young batted .266 with a .429 slugging percentage while playing 641.2 innings at first base. There is a chance Jorge Polanco gets another look, but it seems like he is a designated hitter or bust in 2027. With the collective bargaining agreement set to expire on Dec. 1, the Mets have under a month remaining. To address this void, the club must engage actively in free agency and the trade market throughout November.
