Position: RHP
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 165 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 07/23/2006
Country: Dominican Republic
How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2023
Bonus: N/A
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2027
Minor League Free Agency: 2029
Options Left: 3
Overview
Francia was a lower-profile signing, but he has good athleticism and a clean delivery, and could add velocity as he fills out.
2023-24
Francia pitched reasonably well in his debut. He walked 5.6 per nine innings, but also fanned 11.6. He had a 1.49 WHIP. In 2024, he went back to the DSL and, pitching mainly in relief, had a similar season except he reduced the walks. He finished with a 3.48 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 4.3 BB/9 and 11.2 K/9. He was actually pitching much better than that until he had a string of bad outings, giving up 11 earned runs over 10.2 IP in his last four games.
Stats
Transactions
January 15, 2023: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.