Padres Sign Former Astros Right-Hander J.P. France To Minors Deal

[Steve Drumwright]

 

With all of the uncertainty around the San Diego Padres' pitching depth as Monday's trade deadline approaches, they are taking a shot on a recently released player.

Right-hander J.P. France has signed a minor-league contract with the Padres, The Athletic's Chandler Rome reported Saturday.

The 31-year-old France had been designated for assignment by the Houston Astros, went unclaimed and was released Thursday. France made three relief appearances for the Astros this year, giving up six runs in 6⅔ innings, walking five and striking out four. He has been at Triple-A for most of 2026, appearing in 29 games, including one start, with a 3.72 ERA in 36⅓ innings. He had a rather high 14.8% walk rate and 23.1% strikeout rate. France appeared in 34 games, including 28 starts, for the Astros over the last four seasons, including 24 games (all but one a start) in 2023 as he posted a 3.83 ERA.

He is likely to join Triple-A El Paso next week, depending on what else happens at the trade deadline.

 

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