Frank Papeo is trending up after a rough freshman start
In the 2026 season, Rider right-hander Frank Papeo showed real bounce-back value, cutting his ERA from 24.11 in 2025 to 6.91 while working mostly out of the bullpen, and he finished with 17 appearances and 14.1 innings as the staff’s most improved pitcher. His pitch profile and low-slot competitiveness aren’t fully captured by the numbers, but the key takeaway is clear: he’s a tough, durable arm whose development curve is moving the right way. That makes him an intriguing fit for a team betting on upside, growth, and strike-throwing progress.
