J.P. France – Houston Astros Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

J.P. France has made a quick impact as a pitcher for the Houston Astros. He was born on April 4, 1995, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Astros picked him in the 14th round (432nd overall) of the 2018 MLB Draft after he played college ball at Mississippi State University. France’s journey from a late-round pick to an MLB starter really shows his grit and skill on the mound.

Right now, J.P. France earns a salary of $769,900 with the Houston Astros for the 2025 season, and his estimated net worth is $573,908. That’s a big leap from his signing bonus of $1,000 when he first joined the team.

His contract reflects his pre-arbitration status, and his service time sits at 1.047 as of January 2025.

France moved up through the Astros’ system and made his MLB debut in 2023 after Houston selected his contract in November 2022. His first salary was pretty modest by MLB standards, but he’s set himself up for bigger paydays as he gets closer to arbitration.

Early Life and Background

J.P. France grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, and fell in love with baseball at a young age.

His family and early education played a big part in shaping his path to the majors.

Family and Hometown

Jonathan Patrick France was born on April 4, 1995, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in the lively culture of New Orleans (zip code 70115), sharpening his baseball skills on local fields with the support of his family.

The Gulf Coast region, famous for producing baseball talent, gave France plenty of chances to compete as a kid.

New Orleans has a deep baseball tradition, both amateur and pro, and the city’s warm weather meant France could play all year. That extra time on the field helped him fine-tune his pitching compared to players from colder places.

Local coaches saw his natural arm talent and work ethic early on.

Education and Amateur Career

France went to high school in the New Orleans area and quickly became a standout pitcher in Louisiana’s competitive baseball scene.

He chose Mississippi State University for college, joining one of the top baseball programs in the SEC. At Mississippi State, he faced some of the best hitters in college baseball and developed his pitching arsenal.

Scouts started to take notice, and the Houston Astros picked him in the 14th round (432nd overall) of the 2018 MLB Draft. That selection kicked off his pro journey and proved his hard work was paying off.

Professional Baseball Career

J.P. France has become a valuable pitcher for the Houston Astros since his MLB debut. His path from college standout to the big leagues shows his determination and growth.

Entry into Major League Baseball

The Houston Astros drafted France in the 14th round of the 2018 MLB Draft as the 432nd pick. Before turning pro, France built up his skills at Mississippi State University, crafting the pitching tools he’d need.

He got a signing bonus of $1,000 when he joined the Astros—pretty typical for a late-round pick. France worked his way through the minors and kept improving.

On November 13, 2022, the Astros selected France’s contract, putting him on their 40-man roster. That move protected him from the Rule 5 Draft and showed the team believed in his upside.

Key Career Milestones

France made his Major League debut in 2023, joining the Astros rotation as a 27-year-old rookie. Born on April 4, 1995, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he brought a mature vibe to the mound.

His first MLB contract reflected his rookie status, and he earned a salary of $769,900 for the 2023 season. That one-year deal was fully guaranteed, which is standard for pre-arbitration players.

For the 2024-2025 season, France’s salary reportedly bumped up to $720,000 as he kept his spot in the Astros’ pitching staff. The team has focused on developing him as a starter.

Notable Achievements and Performances

France quickly showed his value to the Astros with several strong starts during his rookie year. He mixes his pitches well and stays calm when things get tense, which earned him regular starts.

His net worth is now estimated at $573,908, reflecting his early career status and room for future growth.

Some of France’s key strengths:

• Pitch Arsenal: He uses a solid mix of fastballs, breaking balls, and off-speed pitches.
• Control: He throws strikes and commands the zone.
• Durability: He can pitch deep into games.

The Astros’ player development staff keeps a close eye on his progress, hoping he’ll become a key part of their rotation.

Current Contract Details

J.P. France has a modest contract with the Houston Astros that fits his status as a relatively new MLB pitcher. His financial situation and team status have changed since he first got drafted in 2018.

Contract Overview

France is playing under a 1-year contract worth $769,900 with the Astros. Some sources say his 2025 salary could be around $720,000.

His contract follows the typical path for newer MLB players who haven’t reached arbitration yet. MLB’s revenue standards decide how these contracts are structured and paid out.

When France signed with Houston in 2018 after being picked in the 14th round from Mississippi State, he got a $1,000 signing bonus. His current net worth is about $573,908, based on his earnings since turning pro.

Team Affiliations and Movements

France has stuck with the Houston Astros organization his entire pro career. He moved up through their farm system step by step.

A big moment came when the Astros selected his contract from the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Triple-A) on November 13, 2022. That put him on the 40-man roster and showed the team’s commitment to his future.

Before that, France got a non-roster invite to spring training on March 12, 2022. He got to train with big leaguers and show off his stuff to the coaching staff.

The Astros have managed his contract by the book, tracking his service time and following roster rules.

Net Worth and Earnings

J.P. France has built a modest financial base since joining the Astros. Most of his earnings come from his MLB salary, with a little extra from endorsements and appearances.

Salary History and Endorsements

France currently earns a salary of $720,000 per year with the Astros, though some reports list it as $769,900. The difference probably comes down to reporting or contract updates.

He joined the league after being drafted in the 14th round (432nd overall) of the 2018 MLB Draft by Houston. As a pre-arbitration player with just over one year of service time (1.047 years as of January 2025), his earning power is still limited compared to veterans.

So far, his endorsement deals are pretty minimal, which is normal for players early in their MLB careers.

Financial Performance Over Time

France’s net worth sits at $573,908, which lines up with his early career status. If he sticks around and hits arbitration, his earnings could jump quite a bit.

He was born in New Orleans on April 4, 1995 and spent time in the minors before making his MLB debut on May 6, 2023. Minor league pay is much lower than MLB salaries, so those early years were lean.

If France keeps his spot and eventually hits free agency, his income could really take off. Pitchers like him tend to see their biggest pay bumps during arbitration.

Personal Life and Off-Field Activities

J.P. France juggles his baseball career with personal interests and community involvement that show off his New Orleans roots and family-first mindset.

Community Involvement

France, born and raised in New Orleans, stays connected to his hometown through charity work. He often joins Houston Astros Foundation events, meeting young fans and supporting youth baseball.

After Hurricane Ida hit Louisiana in 2021, France helped organize relief efforts for the affected communities. His ties to his home state keep showing up in his community work.

During the off-season, France runs baseball clinics for underprivileged kids in Houston and New Orleans. He focuses on teaching fundamentals and stressing the importance of education alongside sports.

“Giving back to the communities that supported me throughout my journey is incredibly important,” France said at a team charity event in 2024.

Interests Outside Baseball

When he’s not on the mound, France likes to fish along the Gulf Coast. He picked up this passion growing up in Louisiana.

He often posts photos of his catches on social media. That way, he connects with fans who love fishing too.

France really enjoys cooking, especially Cajun food. His family recipes have a bit of a legendary status among his teammates.

They always look forward to his homemade gumbo at team get-togethers. Honestly, who wouldn’t?

He calls himself a history buff and likes to check out historical sites during road trips. That curiosity started back in college at Mississippi State, then Tulane, where he finished his degree while playing ball.

France and his wife keep their personal life mostly private. Still, you’ll sometimes spot them together at team events.