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Bowden Francis 2025 Player Outlook: Impact Arm Available for Cheap
5 mins agoToronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Bowden Francis had an unexpected late-season breakout in 2024, permanently joining the Blue Jays rotation from the bullpen after the trade deadline and putting up a 1.53 ERA, 3.42 FIP, 24.7% strikeout rate, 26.5% strikeout rate, 3.3% walk rate, and 0.53 WHIP through nine starts. While it's unwise to spend a hefty amount on a pitcher who had a seemingly improbable run at the end of the season, Francis has some bankable characteristics going into the 2025 season. The 28-year-old lacks the electric stuff that one would traditionally look to when making decisions during a fantasy baseball draft, but his zone-pounding fastball (51.3% usage, 75.6% strike rate) and impressive command (104 Location+ in the aforementioned nine-start stretch) are enough to believe he will settle into a solid back-end rotation option. Cutter's projection of a 3.75 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 169 strikeouts across 180 innings should excite anyone looking for late-round pitching depth. Considering how strong his late-season run was, consider it a steal if he falls into your lap at his 224 ADP.
