Villanova’s strike-throwing innings eater with big-league command traits
In the 2026 season, Jake Francis gave Villanova a durable right-handed presence, working mostly as a starter and logging 34 strikeouts in 21 appearances while posting a 7.21 ERA and 1 save. Earlier, in the 2025 season, he showed a more polished profile: a 4-0 record, 3.52 ERA, 18 strikeouts, and only 3 walks in 30.2 innings, with a national top-tier BB/9 and a strong K:BB ratio. The appeal is clear: he can pound the zone, limit free passes, and compete as both starter and bullpen piece.