The Long Island Ducks have signed former major league right-handed pitcher Harrison Francis. This will be his first season with the Ducks and his eighth in professional baseball.
“We look forward to welcoming Harrison to Long Island,” said Ducks manager Lew Ford. “He has the ability to be a versatile member of our pitching staff this season and bring value in multiple roles.”
Francis spent the first four seasons of his professional career in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization (2017–19, 2021). During that span, he compiled a 9-3 record with a 5.04 ERA across 42 games, including seven starts, while striking out 97 batters in 84.0 innings of work. In 2018, the Tallahassee, Fla., native enjoyed a standout campaign, combining for an 8-0 record with a 2.53 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 14 appearances, including four starts, between the Diamondbacks’ Arizona League affiliate and Single-A Hillsboro.
The 27-year-old later spent two seasons with the Gary SouthShore RailCats of the American Association from 2022 to 2023. During that time, Francis made 38 appearances, 36 of them starts, posting a 10-14 record with a 4.88 ERA and 182 strikeouts over 182.2 innings pitched. He then split the 2024 season between the Gastonia Baseball Club of the Atlantic League and Algodoneros de Unión Laguna of the Mexican League.
Most recently, Francis competed in the Puerto Rican Winter League with the Criollos de Caguas, where he recorded a 4.05 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 40.0 innings across 10 games, including nine starts. Francis was originally selected by the Diamondbacks in the fourth round of the 2017 MLB Amateur Draft.
“I’m pumped to be a part of the Ducks and compete with other high-level talent,” said Francis. “Being on a team with experienced players who want to win and play the game the right way really appealed to me. I’m excited to chase a championship and continue growing as a pitcher.”