J.P. France

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Houston Astros #21 prospect in 2023
  BA Grade/Risk: 35/Medium
  
  Track Record: After three seasons at Tulane, France transferred to Mississippi State and spent his final collegiate season working out of the Bulldogs' pen. The Astros took a shot on France in the 14th round of the 2018 draft and signed him for just $1,000. He debuted that summer in short-season Tri-City and reached Low-A by season's end. He spent 2019 at High-A Fayetteville and split 2021 between Double-A and Triple-A. France returned to Triple-A Sugar Land to begin 2022 and made 34 appearances while striking out 136 batters over 110.2 innings.
  
  Scouting Report: France's game centers around his mastery of the art of deception. By throwing all five of his pitches in near-equal measure France does an excellent job of keeping hitters off-balance. France's fastball sits 91-94 mph with riding cut and a flat vertical approach angle. He mixes in a quartet of secondaries in mid-80s cutter, low-80s sweeping slider, a mid-70s curveball with depth and a low-80s changeup with Bugs Bunny shape. France keeps hitters guessing by throwing any of his pitches in any count. Despite his advanced feel for his arsenal, France's control is below-average and he'll often rely too heavily on his breaking balls and lose the zone with his fastball.
  
  The Future: France's likely role is as a depth starter who can eat innings in a variety of roles. He will likely shuttle between Houston and Sugar Land in 2023.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 45. Curveball: 50. Slider: 55. Changeup: 50. Control: 40.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #478 prospect in 2013 draft
  France is a key recruit in Tulane's rebuilding efforts, and the 6-foot-1, 215-pound righthander has the ability to contribute quickly for the Green Wave. France had a strong spring (6-1, 0.37 in 57 IP) and competes with a plus pitch, a curveball that he spins with power. His fastball has potential as well, as he throws it in the 87-90 mph range. France also competes well, owing in part to his background as an offensive lineman on his high school football team. France's lack of height might help him pass through the draft, which would be a boon for Tulane.

• February, 2023 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 35/Medium
  
  Track Record: After three seasons at Tulane, France transferred to Mississippi State and spent his final collegiate season working out of the Bulldogs' pen. The Astros took a shot on France in the 14th round of the 2018 draft and signed him for just $1,000. He debuted that summer in short-season Tri-City and reached Low-A by season's end. He spent 2019 at High-A Fayetteville and split 2021 between Double-A and Triple-A. France returned to Triple-A Sugar Land to begin 2022 and made 34 appearances while striking out 136 batters over 110.2 innings.
  
  Scouting Report: France's game centers around his mastery of the art of deception. By throwing all five of his pitches in near-equal measure France does an excellent job of keeping hitters off-balance. France's fastball sits 91-94 mph with riding cut and a flat vertical approach angle. He mixes in a quartet of secondaries in mid-80s cutter, low-80s sweeping slider, a mid-70s curveball with depth and a low-80s changeup with Bugs Bunny shape. France keeps hitters guessing by throwing any of his pitches in any count. Despite his advanced feel for his arsenal, France's control is below-average and he'll often rely too heavily on his breaking balls and lose the zone with his fastball.
  
  The Future: France's likely role is as a depth starter who can eat innings in a variety of roles. He will likely shuttle between Houston and Sugar Land in 2023.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 45. Curveball: 50. Slider: 55. Changeup: 50. Control: 40.
• December, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 35/Medium
  
  Track Record: After three seasons at Tulane, France transferred to Mississippi State and spent his final collegiate season working out of the Bulldogs' pen. The Astros took a shot on France in the 14th round of the 2018 draft and signed him for just $1,000. He debuted that summer in short-season Tri-City and reached Low-A by season's end. He spent 2019 at High-A Fayetteville and split 2021 between Double-A and Triple-A. France returned to Triple-A Sugar Land to begin 2022 and made 34 appearances while striking out 136 batters over 110.2 innings.
  
  Scouting Report: France's game centers around his mastery of the art of deception. By throwing all five of his pitches in near-equal measure France does an excellent job of keeping hitters off-balance. France's fastball sits 91-94 mph with riding cut and a flat vertical approach angle. He mixes in a quartet of secondaries in mid-80s cutter, low-80s sweeping slider, a mid-70s curveball with depth and a low-80s changeup with Bugs Bunny shape. France keeps hitters guessing by throwing any of his pitches in any count. Despite his advanced feel for his arsenal, France's control is below-average and he'll often rely too heavily on his breaking balls and lose the zone with his fastball.
  
  The Future: France's likely role is as a depth starter who can eat innings in a variety of roles. He will likely shuttle between Houston and Sugar Land in 2023.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 45. Curveball: 50. Slider: 55. Changeup: 50. Control: 40.