| IP | 58.2 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 2.76 |
| WHIP | 1.160 |
| BB/9 | 4.0 |
| SO/9 | 10.1 |
- Full name Jose Alejandro Franco
- Born 11/25/2000 in Maracay, Venezuela
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 175 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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BA Grade/Risk: 45/Mild
Adjusted Grade: 40
Track Record: It’s been a long climb for Franco, who signed out of Venezuela in October 2018. After impressing in the Dominican Summer League in 2019, Franco struggled in his first exposure to full-season ball in 2021 and blew out his elbow in 2022. He missed all of 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery and returned showing improved control but modest stuff in 2024. His stuff took a step forward in 2025 as he dominated at Double-A Chattanooga and impressed after a promotion to Triple-A.
Scouting Report: As he’s added weight and put his elbow surgery behind him, Franco has gone from being a crafty 91-94 mph righthander to a clever righty who can touch 97 mph regularly and sits 95-96. That added velocity has helped his mid-80s slider as well. He fills the zone with it when he’s behind or even in counts, but with two strikes, he consistently hits his target glove side and down just out of the zone. He uses his fringe-average high-80s changeup almost exclusively against lefties. Franco still doesn’t blow hitters away, but he battles hitters with MLB average stuff.
The Future: Franco has largely been used as a starter, but he could make the Reds’ 2026 roster as a swingman in the Nick Martinez role, providing spot starts and multi-inning relief appearances.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 50
Career Transactions
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Cincinnati Reds selected the contract of RHP Jose Franco from Louisville Bats.
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RHP Jose Franco assigned to Louisville Bats from Chattanooga Lookouts.
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RHP Jose Franco assigned to Chattanooga Lookouts.
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Dayton Dragons activated RHP Jose Franco from the 7-day injured list.
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Dayton Dragons placed RHP Jose Franco on the 7-day injured list.
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Dayton Dragons activated RHP Jose Franco.
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RHP Jose Franco assigned to Dayton Dragons from Daytona Tortugas.
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RHP Jose Franco assigned to Daytona Tortugas.
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RHP Jose Franco roster status changed by Daytona Tortugas.