Ty France Joins Reds: Mariners trade infielder for minor league catcher as deadline approaches

The Cincinnati Reds have made a trade for Ty France. In return, they are sending cash considerations and minor league catcher Andruw Salcedo. The Trade Deadline is still two days away, but the deals are happening with increasing frequency now.

The Reds are 10 games out of first place in the NL Central but are just five games back of a Wild Card spot. They felt that France could help them, so they made the deal.

This is an interesting move for both sides, though. The Reds get a player at a cost even though it might have been better to stand pat with the roster they have and continue building for the future instead of going all-in on a possible Wild Card.

For the Mariners, this is them moving on from a fan-favorite in a season in which they're contenders. They are fighting for the AL West crown and just made a blockbuster deal for Randy Arozarena.

However, as many teams this deadline are proving, buying and selling does not necessarily imply going for it this year or calling it and giving up. Some teams, just like the Mariners, are buying and selling as they try to look to the future as well as the present.

Reds bolstering weaker spots with Ty France

Ty France was a bit disappointing this season for the Seattle Mariners. He's hitting at a 96 wRC+ rate, which is slightly below the league average. It has resulted in -0.5 fWAR this year, which may be why they moved on.

Spencer Steer has played half the time at first base and he's been solid for the Reds. Jeimer Candelario has played the other half, and he has not been great. Thus, the Reds felt that a first baseman was going to be helpful.

They're five games back of the Wild Card thanks to MVP candidate Elly De La Cruz and Jonathan India. France is arbitration-eligible next year before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2026, so he will be with the Reds for the foreseeable future. Therefore, this move was not solely about 2024 and the current playoff hopes.