Padres’ Sung-Mun Song question could create Opening Day path for veteran redemption

Sung-mun Song has been an important piece of the San Diego Padres' bench puzzle since the moment he put pen to paper on a four-year contract, but an unceasing oblique injury has kept him from showing off all his talents this spring. The latest reports suggest that he may even miss the start of the season, with a short injured-list stint on the table.

If that happens, the Friars will be down one of their most versatile chess pieces, ramping up the pressure on the rest of the roster to stay productive and healthy until Song returns. However, it would also open up a spot on the 26-man roster, which could be used on another slick-fielding infielder.

In his latest Opening Day roster projection, MLB.com's AJ Cassavell predicted that Song will indeed need some time to rest. In his stead, Cassavell suggested that the Padres will give non-roster invitee Ty France an opportunity to stick around.

Such a scenario would leave Craig Stammen with six infielders (seven if you include Nick Castellanos). While France wouldn't get much playing time thanks to the bats of Miguel Andúhar and Castellanos, he could squeeze his way into the rotation with a strong glove.

Ty France could make long-term case for Padres roster in Sung-mun Song's absence

The roster glut of right-handed hitting corner infielders/outfielders certainly doesn't do France any favors, though it's not hard to see an avenue for him to fill a certain niche with the Padres.

One thing working in his favor is his superior glove; France produced 10 Outs Above Average and 9 Defensive Runs Saved at first base in 2025 en route to a Gold Glove, making him easily the best defender at the position on the roster. He's also flashed some nice leather at second and third base in the past, which could make him the de facto utility man until Song is ready.

He's also not a zero at the plate; in every season from 2020-23, the 31-year-old produced above-average numbers, including three straight years with a 127 wRC+ or higher. He's slipped a little in that regard over the past couple seasons, but in spring training with San Diego, France is hitting .370/.433/.519 (149 wRC+) through 11 games. It's not the biggest sample, but it is a reminder of what he's capable of during a hot streak.

France has already set big expectations for himself and the Padres this year, and Song's injury may be his lone path to getting a chance at fulfilling those lofty goals. He'd have to really perform well to stick around beyond Song's eventual return to the active roster, but a reunion six years in the making is already a story worth rooting for.