2 questions the Mariners have already answered in 2024, 1 that still lingers

We know what the Ty France experiment is like and it's time to pull the plug

Ty France has been one of the most polarizing Mariner's topics in recent discussion. The first baseman seemed like he had the ability to be a high average, high on-base guy with decent power. Yet, heading into his fifth year with the Mariners, France is averaging just 17 home runs per 162 games and has been in a constant decline since his solid 2021 and 2022 seasons. If your first baseman is only going to hit 17 home runs, he better hit 300+.

Expectations were high and everyone thought that France would have the same type of breakout year that JP Crawford did after spending an offseason at Driveline. His bat speed has looked improved, but that just hasn't translated.

Through 50+ games, France is slashing .244/.305/.383 which is good for a 101 wRC+. The Mariners literally have a major league average first baseman. That is fine if the rest of your lineup is average to above average but is more emphasized when that first baseman doesn't hit for a ton of power and the rest of the lineup is struggling.

The first base position is arguably the easiest position to find offense, but the Mariners have struggled to find that guy in recent years. The Mariners have gone through the Ty France experiment and there are just too many options to continue to let mediocre offense hinder your offensive potential. It's time they go out and get a legit thumper (could I interest you in one Christian Walker...please!!) or maybe it's Tyler Locklear time. Either way, the Mariners need to make a move at first base as France has proven he is not the answer.