Nationals predicted to target All-Star first baseman with .873 OPS for Padres

The main focus of the Washington Nationals' offseason should be to retool a historically bad bullpen. 

Washington's bullpen has blown an MLB single-season record of 38 saves in 2026. 

The NL East club could have been a postseason contender if the front office had put just a little more energy into the bullpen. 

Despite that, the Nationals could also use an upgrade at first base after trading Luis Garcia Jr. to the New York Yankees at the deadline. 

"The Nationals rank second in the majors in home runs (197) and runs scored (754), so there's no need for sweeping changes offensively, but they could look for a bit more stability at first base," Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter wrote Friday. 

One name the Nationals could consider is San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France. He is an impending free agent, and the Padres could look to re-sign the 2022 All-Star rather quickly after a tremendous year. 

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"Ty France has put together a quietly awesome season for the Padres after signing a minor league deal last offseason, posting a 141 OPS+ with 20 home runs, 62 RBI and 4.1 WAR in 119 games," Reuter added. 

In 120* games, France has a 4.2 bWAR with 20 home runs, 20 doubles, and a .873 OPS. He won a Gold Glove Award in 2025, and his eight outs above average rank him near the top of the Majors at first base. 

France would be a great addition to Washington's lineup, but it won't matter if they can't improve this pitching staff this winter. 

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