5 bold predictions for the Mariners for the 2024 season

Mariners Bold Prediction #4: Ty France fights for the batting title

I'm still a firm believer in Ty France. It's funny how fast we forget and are willing to dump a player after a bad season. Sure, I could be proven wrong and France could hit .244 without power and be out of the lineup. I don't see it happening though.

France had OPS+ marks of 128, 128, and 125 his first three seasons with the Mariners while hitting .284. the ceiling is higher than that though. France will go through these long stretches where he is clearing .300, and doing so with room to spare.

Maybe it's getting back to where he needs to be at Driveline. Making a change that gets him back into his comfort zone, and possibly off the plate a little bit to avoid the HBP and injury issues that come along with it. Oh, and not having a dirty play at first base where someone looks to intentionally try and injure his elbow would help as well.

France's exit velo climbs to 90 mph, and his hard hit rate jumps to 41%. He sheds a bit of weight, distributing it better to gain a bit of foot speed and gain some comfortability. Ty France is going to hit .314 in 2024, slashing 37 2B and 22 HR, getting back into the good graces of Mariners fans and providing some protection for Julio Rodriguez. He won't be the only one returning to 2021 form, either.