The Cincinnati Reds face a pivotal decision ahead of the 2025 MLB season: will they tender first baseman Ty France a contract? According to *MLB Trade Rumors*, the answer may be clear-cut, as writer Anthony Franco suggests that the Reds may move on from the veteran infielder.
“It’s an easy call to move on from Ty France in lieu of a salary pushing $9MM,” Franco stated. The decision may not come as a surprise, given the Reds’ focus on building a competitive roster within budget constraints.
France joined the Reds in a midseason trade in July, but his performance since arriving in Cincinnati has left room for improvement. In 52 games with the team, he posted a slash line of .251/.292/.391, contributing five home runs and 20 hits. While these numbers are not disastrous, they represent a decline from his previous years when he had been a more consistent offensive threat.
One of the primary factors in this potential non-tender scenario is the projected salary. France, who is arbitration-eligible, could see his salary climb to the $8-9 million range, which might be too steep for a team that could use that cap space to enhance other areas of their roster. Cincinnati is expected to be on the lookout for ways to bolster its chances of fielding a championship-caliber team, and freeing up that $9 million could provide some much-needed flexibility in pursuit of high-impact free agents or other trade targets.
The Reds’ front office is tasked with weighing France’s track record and his potential future contributions against the financial implications of keeping him around. His 2025 projection is complicated by the fact that his once-solid offensive production has started to decline. During his All-Star 2022 season with the Seattle Mariners, France was a key cog in their lineup, finishing with a .274/.338/.436 slash line and 20 home runs. However, his more recent output suggests that a bounce-back season might be uncertain, making the Reds’ decision all the more complex.
Non-tendering France would leave the Reds with a hole at first base, but it would also open up possibilities for the team to explore younger, cheaper options or even make a splashy acquisition elsewhere. With prospects like Christian Encarnacion-Strand showing promise and the Reds looking to prioritize payroll flexibility, the potential to move on from France could align with Cincinnati’s long-term goals.
Ultimately, this offseason decision reflects the balance between immediate needs and future planning. As the Reds aim to position themselves as a legitimate contender in the National League, allocating resources wisely will be key. Whether Ty France stays or goes could serve as a telling sign of the Reds’ approach to roster construction for 2025 and beyond.
Only time will tell if the Reds decide to retain the veteran first baseman or use those funds to help chase the ultimate prize—a World Series championship.