J.P. France hasn’t been completely dropped by the Houston Astros. However, his future is no longer guaranteed. The team’s decision to outright demote France to Triple-A Sugar Land after he cleared his waivers has put the 31-year-old shooter in the most precarious position since he entered MLB.
Nominally, France is still part of the Astros. But in reality, he’s left the 40-man roster and is now only considered a backup option, waiting to be called upon in an emergency. This isn’t absolute trust, but a conditional last chance.
Just a few seasons ago, J.P. France was part of the Astros’ rotation plan. He wasn’t a star, but he was stable enough to serve as a starter, take innings, and set the pace for the shooting line. In an organization that values efficiency and tactical discipline like Houston, France was once considered the “perfect” pitcher.
Everything changed when a shoulder injury occurred. The problem wasn’t just the loss of playing time, but also the loss of momentum. When France returned, he no longer had the same shooting feel and consistency as before. Meanwhile, the Astros began rejuvenating their roster and prioritizing stronger, more agile arms.
As a result, France was gradually pushed out of the long-term picture.
The fact that J.P. France wasn’t claimed by any MLB team after his DFA injury is hard to accept. It shows that other teams were hesitant, especially regarding his shoulder health and immediate ability to contribute.
However, for the Astros, France clearing his waivers opens up a different scenario. The team can keep him in their system without needing a 40-man roster slot. This is how Houston mitigated the risk but didn’t cut ties completely.
France was sent to Sugar Land and received a non-roster invite to Spring Training, a move that shows the Astros still want to observe further, but are no longer making a big bet.
For J.P. France, the upcoming Spring Training is not simply a preparation phase. It’s a real test. He no longer has the advantage of a contract, no guarantee of a role, and must compete with many younger, fitter, and more versatile pitchers.
The most viable path for France to return to MLB is no longer rotation. Instead, he needs to prove he can contribute as a long relief or spot starter, ready to take innings when the team needs him.
Any signs of injury recurrence or instability could lead the Astros to make a decisive decision.
The question is: if they no longer have complete confidence, why didn’t the Astros cut ties earlier?
The answer lies in Houston’s operating philosophy. France understands the system, has experience pitching in MLB, and if healthy, he can still be a reasonable depth option. Keeping him wouldn’t cost much or put pressure on the roster, but it would still provide a backup option.
It’s a small gamble, but a calculated one.
The biggest challenge for J.P. France right now isn’t just physical recovery. It’s the psychological pressure of being removed from the 40-man roster, of having no other team place their trust in him, and of every mound pitching feeling like “proving I’m not past my prime.”
Not every pitcher can overcome that state. But it is precisely in this situation that some have rediscovered themselves.
J.P. France is still part of the Astros, but only in name. In reality, he is at a crucial crossroads for the rest of his MLB career. Spring Training 2026 will be a time where there’s no room for error, where every inning can decide their future.
The Astros have given him a chance. But it’s his last chance, and it comes with no promises.
If France takes advantage of it, he could return as a valuable addition to the team. If not, his story in Houston will most likely end quietly.
