3 Blue Jays who should see an expanded role in 2024 and 2 who should not

Should: Bowden Francis

Francis got a handful of major league innings under his belt in 2024, and the results were quite encouraging. He had thrown 36.1 innings of just 1.71 ERA and a 3.86 FIP. There was plenty of good signs for the young rookie, and he's earned the chance to be a big contributor in whatever role the Jays find he's best suited for. Francis threw majority of his innings in a tandem role with Trevor Richards as a combined spot starter, after Alek Manoah had been sent down to the minors. He'd also gotten opportunities to close out some games for the Jays, including his very first save.

It's not reasonable to expect Francis to be promoted to the Jays rotation, but he would bode well to serve as a mid leverage reliever, or perhaps even in long relief, if the Jays need to call upon him. Even if he doesn't make the Opening Day roster, his value to be brought up and contribute in any situation makes him a valuable piece to have. Francis adds to already good pitching depth in the organization, and has made the case to be a useful pitcher to have, regardless of the role he's put in. Francis does have some trouble with allowing hard contact, but with the way he managed to utilize his curveball last season could be the biggest factor in how Francis both projects and performs in the future.