The Reds announced a series of roster moves Friday, most notably revealing that first baseman Ty France cleared waivers and elected free agency. He would’ve been arbitration-eligible and was projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz to earn $8.6MM in his final season of club control. Today’s outright and subsequent free agency election is effectively an early non-tender.
Cincinnati also passed catcher Austin Wynns, righty Tejay Antone and outfielder Nick Martini through waivers unclaimed. Like France, Wynns and Martini opted for free agency. Antone accepted an outright assignment and will remain with the club and continue mending from the third elbow surgery of his career.
France, 30, was an offensive force for his first three years with the Mariners from 2020-22, hitting a combined .285/.355/.443 with 42 homers, 68 doubles and three triples in 1418 plate appearances. He rarely struck out (16.7%), hit plenty of line drives and, after spending much of his minor league career playing other positions, worked his way into becoming an above-average defender at first base.
The 2023 season was a step back in all regards. France’s batting line slipped to .250/.337/.366 — still respectable but nowhere near his prior levels, particularly in the power department. His production dwindled further this year, and the Mariners designated him for assignment after he mustered only a .223/.312/.350 line in 88 games. The Reds swung a trade to acquire France in hope that a change of scenery would improve his output. France’s rate stats modestly improved, but not to the extent that one might hope when going from the league’s most pitcher-friendly stadium in Seattle to its most homer-happy park in Cincinnati. He finished the year at .234/.305/.365 between the two clubs.
France will now head to the free-agent market for the first time but do so coming off a sub-optimal platform spanning two years of struggles. He’ll likely be limited to one-year offers and guarantees well shy of the $8.6MM he’d been projected to earn in arbitration.
Wynns, 33, is the consummate journeyman backup catcher. He’s a career .230/.277/.332 hitter in 673 plate appearances split among five big league teams. He’s been with six different organization since the Orioles selected him in the tenth round of the 2013 draft. Wynns is regarded as a sound defender but has never provided much from an offensive standpoint.
Martini, 34, cracked the Reds’ Opening Day roster and belted a pair of homers in their first game of the season. It was downhill from there, however. He hit just .204/.266/.324 over his next 159 plate appearances before suffering a sprained thumb that ended his season in early July. Martini is a career .294/.399/.454 hitter in parts of eight Triple-A seasons and a .252/.336/.400 hitter in 575 big league plate appearances.
HBP legend
“but does he get on base? Do I care if it’s a bunt or a walk?”
You do not.
I have always said Billy Hamilton would have been a .350 hitter if he had learned to bunt. But then again I’m not a great baseball hitting guru like Bryan Price. What did you say? He’s a pitching coach, oh, now I get it.
Mister French Tickler himself in the flesh!!!
I’d like to get him in the cage. I’ll fix his swing and make him the next superstar. Sadly, most coaches don’t focus on the core fundamentals. They’re just talking about all the fluff and nonsense that means nothing.
Former Yankees hitting coach only focused on how hard the batters hit the ball. Truly, a hitting genius…
No surprise for any of it. They needed spots. Hopefully this will show the lack of AAAA guys taking up space in the future.
France could thrive in a ballpark like GABP, but there’s no way the Reds could bring him back for a bench role at the price he’d get in arbitration. Maybe he’ll return on a friendlier number?
“friendlier number”…Nobody is going to pay France $8.6M. He’s simply not worth it. But, I can see a team deciding he’s worthy of a minor league deal, $2M flyer.
I could see the Astros try for a buy low type of first baseman. Our farm system is very thin and we are probably going to lose Bregman. That would free up a little more for Tucker next year. Problem is we don’t have any legit corner infielder knocking on the door. Dana Brown and Jim Crane have more than a few areas that need upgrading if they feel truly that the window is indeed still open for continuation.
You make sense!
“Last place I remember being was Martini’s”…
Good move on France. I assume Antoine is getting paid until he recovers from his injury.
I cannot imagine Antoine throwing another pitch on any level, unless if he starts throwing left handed or becomes a knuckleballer. I’m surprised he hasn’t officially retired. Maybe his last elbow surgery wasn’t as bad as anticipated. Who knows?
Hey, the Mariners need a 1B! Oh, um…..yeah…….forgot.