Crushers’ Catcher, Youngstown Native Ian Francis Signed by Cincinnati Reds

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Crushers’ Catcher, Youngstown Native Ian Francis Signed by Cincinnati Reds

Avon, OH - September 3, 2026 - The Lake Erie Crushers announced today that catcher Ian Francis had his player contract purchased by the Cincinnati Reds organization on Tuesday afternoon. 

Ian Francis was signed by the Crushers on August 17th. The 23 year-old Youngstown, Ohio native played three college seasons at Youngstown State University before transferring to the University of Kansas in 2025.

During his collegiate career, Francis hit .260 with 21 home runs, 26 doubles, and an .816 OPS. After his time in the Big 12 and a stint with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in the MLB Draft League, the Cincinnati Reds took interest in the young catcher and signed him to a free agent contract ahead of the 2026 season.

After a stint of 34 minor league games between Rookie-ball and Single-A Daytona, Francis signed with the Crushers to supplement a need at the catching position.

Francis collected his first Lake Erie hit in his second game, going 2-for-4 with a run scored on August 20th. When the Crushers hit the road to play a four-game series in Florence, Francis got the nod to catch three of the four games. During the series, he went 6-for-12 (.500 BA) with two doubles, and three runs scored.

He had multiple hits and scored a run in all three games he caught against the Y’alls, and his series was highlighted by an incredible swim move to avoid a tag at home plate. On a play where he looked to be out convincingly, his remarkable athleticism allowed him to contort his body, dive out of the reach of the tag, and hit the plate to score a key run in a game the Crushers would go on to win.

You can watch the play here: 

Despite only playing in seven games with Lake Erie, his .333 batting average and a caught stealing in a key situation got him the look of his former organization once again. Then, after a fourth straight game with a hit and a run scored as the Crushers opened their series in Evansville, the Cincinnati Reds decided to purchase Francis’ contract from the Crushers and bring him back for a second stint in affiliated ball.

Crushers Skipper Jared Lemieux said, “Ian wasn’t here for a long time, but in his short time he displayed all the characteristics you need in affiliated ball. He’s confident, works hard, and he’s a gamer. We’re excited to see him back with the Reds organization and wish him the best.”

Ian Francis becomes the second Crushers player to have their contract purchased in the 2026 calendar year, joining Nathan Shinn, who was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in June. Francis has been assigned to the Reds’ Single-A affiliate, the Daytona Tortugas.

The Crushers organization is thankful for Ian’s contributions to the team and wish him the best as he rejoins the affiliated ranks.

For information on season ticket memberships visit lecrushers.com or call (440) 934-3636, and be sure to follow our socials @LECrushers on Instagram/Facebook/X.

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About the Lake Erie Crushers

The Lake Erie Crushers are a professional baseball team based in Avon, Ohio, just 18 miles west of Cleveland at ForeFront Field. They compete in the Frontier League, a proud MLB Partner League, and have brought a family-friendly, fan-oriented baseball experience to Northeast Ohio since 2009. As Lorain County’s only professional sports franchise, the Lake Erie Crushers are the largest economic driver in Lorain County, hosting more than 200 events per year that include over 50 baseball games, concerts, charity functions, and other events that bring the community of Avon together. Len Komoroski is the Crushers Chairman and Managing Partner, and the team is led by President Vic Gregovits. Jared Lemieux, a Maine Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, is in his fourth season as field manager.