Toronto Blue Jays get surprising update on pitcher Bowden Francis

Jan 26, 2026 (10:55)

Photo credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Bowden Francis is currently training with back-to-back Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal to redefine his rotation value for the 2026 Toronto Blue Jays.

The viral footage of Francis in the lab with the best pitcher in the American League has sent Toronto fans into a frenzy.

Skubal is coming off a monster 2025 campaign where he posted a 2.21 ERA and struck out 241 batters for Detroit.

For Francis, this workout session represents more than just a social media highlight during the cold January months.

He is fighting to reclaim his spot after a shoulder impingement cut his dismal 2025 season short in mid-June.

#BlueJays Bowden Francis is with Tarik Skubal

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Before the injury, Francis struggled to a 6.05 ERA and a bloated 1.53 WHIP over 14 ineffective starts.

The right-hander was a victim of the long ball, surrendering 19 homers in just 64 innings of work.

His underlying metrics were equally concerning as he ranked in the bottom percentiles for average exit velocity and hard-hit rate.

This training partnership suggests a focus on regaining the elite command that made him a breakout star in late 2024.

The bleacher creatures at Rogers Centre are desperate to see that version of Francis return to form this spring.

The Toronto Blue Jays starting rotation looks incredibly crowded

Two years ago, he was the hottest arm in baseball after posting a historic 0.60 WHIP post-All-Star break.

However, the Blue Jays front office has spent the winter adding serious reinforcements to the pitching staff.

The reported signing of Dylan Cease alongside Shane Bieber has effectively pushed Francis out of a guaranteed role.

Kevin Gausman and a potentially healthy Jose Berrios further complicate his path back to a regular starting nod.

Francis still has minor league options remaining, which makes him the perfect insurance policy in Triple-A Buffalo.

If he can absorb some of Skubal's elite preparation habits, he might force a six-man rotation conversation.

The 2026 season will likely see him oscillating between a long-relief bulk role and spot-start duties.

Service time won't be an issue for a while as he is not arbitration-eligible until the 2027 season.

Ultimately, a healthy shoulder and a sharper splitter could make him the ultimate wild card in the AL East.

Previously on Toronto Baseball Insider

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