Mariners waive former All-Star, opening the door for top first-base prospect

The Ty France era is over. On Sunday, the Seattle Mariners placed the former All-Star on waivers, opening the door for prospect Tyler Locklear to take over everyday duties at first base.

France has struggled this season, recording eight home runs and 31 RBI while batting .224/.313/.351 in 339 plate appearances. The 29-year-old, who can refuse assignment to the minors, is probably headed for the open market, as he's unlikely to be claimed by another team earning $6.7 million this season.

The choice to move on from France is a bitter pill to swallow but one that may have been a long time coming.

It's been a rough 2024 for the six-year veteran, who was batting .224/.313/.351 with eight home runs and 31 RBI (339 plate appearances). However, since receiving his first All-Star nod in 2022, France has recorded 20 homers and 89 RBI through his last 245 games (1,004 plate appearances), slashing .242/.329/.361.

With France in the rearview, 2022 second-round pick Tyler Locklear, called up on Sunday, will get a chance to fill the void at first base. Though, this won't be his first taste of major league ball.

Locklear spent roughly two weeks with the big club in June but, for the most part, failed to find his groove. Over 32 plate appearances, the 23-year-old batted .200/.250/.433 with 12 strikeouts and only one walk.

However, Locklear showcased power during the short stint, smashing two of his six hits out of the yard.

Locklear is the sixth-ranked prospect in the Mariners system, according to MLB.com. In 71 minor league games with Double-A Arkansas and Triple-A Tacoma, he slashed .283/.389/.504 with 44 RBI, 34 extra-base hits and 12 home runs.