October 17, 2023
Right-handed pitcher Bowden Francis is looking to get stronger this off-season in the hope of earning a spot in the Toronto Blue Jays’ rotation in 2024.
“I want to work on lower body flexibility and lower body strength,” explained Francis. “I also want to work on power and get that velocity tick again. My goal is to be 96 to 99 and ready to be in a starting rotation.”
Francis worked in both roles this season, as he was a starter with Triple-A Buffalo and a long reliever for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Pitching 36 1/3 innings with the Blue Jays’ in 2023, Francis finished the season with a WHIP of 0.83, an ERA of 1.73, and a WAR of 0.9.
Even though his role slightly changed with the big club – his mentality stayed the same in the bullpen.
“I just attacked the hitters,” stated Francis. “That’s what I did starting and I just try to keep the same energy and same focus in the bullpen. I go out there and attack the guy with all four pitches. The warm-up and preparation is different. But with the mental trust, I just let my body do it.”
Currently using a 4-seam fastball, a slider, a curveball, and a changeup; Francis kept all of his pitches in play out of the bullpen.
“I knew I’d go through the lineup once maybe twice,” Francis added. “You definitely need all of those for that.”
Staying the same in the big leagues is something Blue Jays’ Pitching Coach Pete Walker instilled into Francis.
“Pete told me to be myself,” said Francis. “Keep attacking hitters and trusting my stuff. Just keep refining my tools, don’t try to recreate anything, just keep sharpening my tools.”
Be sure to follow Bowden Francis next season.