Ty France's audition could push this young Reds infielder down the depth chart

The Cincinnati Reds acquired Ty France from the Seattle Mariners just before the trade deadline. Cincinnati shipped a minor league catcher to Seattle in exchange for the first baseman's services.

France has shown some power since arriving in the Queen City. Though not necessarily racking up big flies at a record pace, France has certainly been barreling up baseballs and has shown flashes of what helped to make him an All-Star in 2022.

The Reds have a decision to make in the coming months. Does France factor into the Reds' 2025 plans or not? The 30-year-old is under team control through next season, but will be owed an increase in salary. But with so few contractual commitments beyond this season, it's not as if the Reds can't afford it.

Ty France's audition could push Reds infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand down the depth chart

If the Reds decide to retain France beyond this season, that could spell trouble for Christian Encarnacion-Strand. The second-year first baseman whom the Reds acquired from the Minnesota Twins back in 2022 has missed the majority of the 2024 season.

Furthermore, even when Encarnacion-Strand was on the field, he was far from the type of player Reds' fans expected after his brief introduction to the big leagues in 2023. Encarnacion-Strand hit .270/.328/.477 with a wRC+ of 112 during his first 63 games in the big leagues. But this season, the slugger managed to post a .190/.220/.293 slash line with 35 wRC+.

While some of Encarnacion-Strand's struggles can be attributed to the lingering hand/ wrist injury he suffered earlier this season, the hard truth is that CES looked like a shadow of player Reds fans assumed they'd see during his first season in the big leagues.

The presence of France, Jeimer Candelario, and Spencer Steer could see Encarnacion-Strand tumble down the Reds' depth chart before spring training opens in Goodyear next February.

There's no denying Encarnacion-Strand's skillset — he has the opportunity to be a force in the middle of the lineup. But CES's injury and poor performance in 2024 has certainly raised concerns. If France's audition results in him remaining with the Reds throughout the offseason, there could be a healthy competition for playing time heating up this winter.

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