The Seattle Mariners made their first move ahead of the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline. It was a subtraction rather than an addition, but possibly a much needed one. On Sunday evening, Mariners beat reporter for the Seattle Times, Ryan Divish reported that the Mariners had placed first baseman Ty France on waivers.

Every other team in the MLB has 48 hours to claim him. While he’s on waivers, he can still play for the Mariners. Now, if he clears waivers that’s where it gets interesting… the Mariners could keep him on the active roster as if nothing happened. Or they could opt to outright him to the minors or release him. Due to service time, Ty France could reject those outright waivers to the minors and opt to become a free agent. It’s the same situation as the Blue Jays were in with Kevin Kiermaier.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the move has been motivated not only France’s career-worst slump but also for the Mariners to get No. 6 Prospect Tyler Locklear full time at bats. Of course, that would all be dependent on if the Mariners trade for a first baseman though. In the meantime, they could opt to give some ABs to Jason Vosler as well. Both have drank a cup of coffee in the Majors with Locklear getting some time this season when France was on the IL.

On Monday morning, the Mariners made the corresponding roster move. They selected the contract of Vosler and optioned Ryan Bliss. Vosler has earned his chance as he’s hit .289/.357/.526 with 20 home runs and 79 RBIs with the Tacoma Rainiers this season. It’s a move that will have no harm for the Mariners. If Vosler comes in continues to hit like he has been with the Mariners Triple-A affiliate then it would improve the Mariners lineup. If he doesn’t then the Mariners will have availability to either make a trade or call-up Locklear.

France, 30, came to the Mariners in 2020 as part of a seven-player deal. During his first three seasons in Seattle he showed promise on both, offensively and defensively. From 2020 to 2022, France slashed an excellent .285/.355/.443 while striking out just 16.7% of the time and clubbing 42 homers in 335 games. Since the start of 2023 he hasn’t been able to channel that version. Despite a hot May, France is in the midst of a difficult season at the plate. The first baseman has slashed just .224/.313/.351 good for a wRC+ of just 97 and is striking out at a career-worst 24.5% clip. Over the offseason, the Mariners were reportedly listening to offers on France but no trades materialized. His wRC+ has been lackluster for two seasons.

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