Reds' under-appreciated trade deadline acquisition making his case for 2025

The Cincinnati Reds made a flurry of moves at the MLB trade deadline, dealing the likes of Frankie Montas and Lucas Sims while bringing in outfielder Joey Wiemer and reliever Jakob Junas. But it was the Reds’ acquisition of a former All-Star the day before the deadline that went under the radar.  

On July 29th, the Reds acquired corner infielder Ty France and cash considerations from the Seattle Mariners for minor league catcher Andruw Salcedo. France, who was an All-Star for the Mariners in 2022, scuffled this season in Seattle, slashing a career worst .223/.312/.350 with a .662 OPS. The Reds were hopeful that a change of scenery could help France return to form. At his best, France is worth 3-4 wins above replacement (WAR).

The 30-year-old is just two years removed from a 20 home run season and boasts a career .339 on-base percentage. He hasn’t hit under .250 in a season since his rookie year for the Padres in 2019 and already looks improved during his short stint with the Reds this month. In 18 games, France is hitting .263 with seven extra base hits and has an OPS of .803. In Seattle, he was striking out almost 25% of the time this year but has lowered that in Cincinnati to nearly 16%.

Ty France has been swinging a hot bat for the Reds since arriving at the MLB trade deadline

France is making nearly $6.8 million this year, and although he is under team control for the 2025 season, will be looking at a raise during his final year of arbitration. If the Reds don’t see him as a viable contributor to the 2025 roster, he’ll be a prime candidate to be non-tendered in the offseason. With the Reds’ playoff hopes all but over, France is auditioning for a spot on next year’s team.

The 2024 season hasn’t gone the way Cincy had hoped, as a promising 2023 campaign falsely signaled a return to the playoffs and perhaps a division title could be in the cards. With a talented young core of arms and the return of Matt McLain, those expectations will remain high heading into next season as well. France could be a valuable piece and an upgrade over the injured first baseman Christan Encarnacion-Strand. 

The former San Diego State Aztec would provide stability for the Reds' young core, plus a bat with plenty of pop. France likely cost under $8 million next year, and if this small sample size turns into a prolonged return to form, that could be a bargain. A resurgent France would be an important piece on any playoff contending roster.

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