Where does Bowden Francis fit on the Toronto Blue Jays pitching staff in 2026?
Photo credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Bowden Francis pitcher Bowden Francis spent most of the 2025 season on the shelf.
Francis was placed on the 15-day IL back in June with a shoulder injury, and when he had setbacks during his rehabilitation he was the placed on the 60-day IL in July.
By September Francis was building his arm strength back up again while rehabbing at the Blue Jays player development complex in Dunedin, and where even talking about a possible postseason return.
Bowden Francis (shoulder) was up to 93-mph and felt good while throwing an inning against live hitters at Blue Jays complex in Dunedin on Saturday. He'll throw live again on Friday as he continues to rebuild volume.
However, Francis was left off the roster throughout the Blue Jays postseason run, relegated to throwing live batting practice for the team at Rogers Centre.
Bowden Francis throwing live BP to some Blue Jays hitters at Rogers Centre right now.
Francis was reinstated from the 60-day IL on Nov 6, along with Angel Bastardo, Yimi Garcia and Nick Sandlin who was outrighted on Nov 15.
ROSTER MOVES:
🔹 INF Bo Bichette extended a Qualifying Offer for 2026
🔹 RHPs Angel Bastardo, Bowden Francis, Yimi Garcia and Nick Sandlin reinstated from 60-day IL
🔹 C Brandon Valenzuela selected to Major League roster
🔹 RHPs Ryan Burr and Dillon Tate cleared waivers and elected free agency
🔹 RHP Robinson Piña cleared waivers, reinstated from 60-day IL, and assigned outright to Triple-A
🔹 INF Bo Bichette extended a Qualifying Offer for 2026
🔹 RHPs Angel Bastardo, Bowden Francis, Yimi Garcia and Nick Sandlin reinstated from 60-day IL
🔹 C Brandon Valenzuela selected to Major League roster
🔹 RHPs Ryan Burr and Dillon Tate cleared waivers and elected free agency
🔹 RHP Robinson Piña cleared waivers, reinstated from 60-day IL, and assigned outright to Triple-A
Where does Bowden Francis fit in on the Toronto Blue Jays pitching staff in 2026?
Now that Francis is healthy again he will no doubt be competing for a spot in the rotation this spring.
At this point the Blue Jays haven't signed or traded for any big ticket starters for their rotation, although that will likely change in the weeks to come as they've already stated that after Bo Bichette pitching is their priority this offseason.
So where does Francis fit into this equation? Will he return to his 2024 form and be a fifth starter? As a long man out of the bullpen? Will the Blue Jays trade him?
What do you think Bowden Francis's role with the Blue Jays be in 2026?
Tell us what you think in the poll below.
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NOVEMBRE 17 | 153 ANSWERS Where does Bowden Francis fit on the Toronto Blue Jays pitching staff in 2026? What do you think Bowden Francis's role with the Blue Jays be in 2026? | ||
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