Hiroshima Toyo Carp
Franzua joined the Dominican Carp Academy in 2014. [6] He came to Japan as a trainee in September 2014, [6] and was sent to the Kōchi Fighting Dogs of the Shikoku Island League Plus in March 2016. [7] He pitched in 14 games that season,posting a 1-5 record and a 4.43 earned-run average.
On March 7,2018,Franzua signed a developmental player contract with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp,and was assigned uniform number 143. [8] [9] He began the season with eight appearances in the Western League,posting a 2-1 record and a 2.57 earned-run average,then signed a controlled player contract with the team on May 20. [10] [6] The contract contained a $100,000 (11,042,318 yen) signing bonus and an annual salary of $80,000 (8,833,854 yen). His uniform number was changed to 97. [6] He recorded his first professional win on June 26 against the Yomiuri Giants,and in August,he had a 0.51 earned-run average in 18 appearances. [11] [12] He also pitched in the 2018 Central League Climax Series and the 2018 Japan Series. He became a free agent following the 2022 season.
Pittsburgh Pirates
On February 10,2023,Franzua signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. [13] He split the year between the rookie-level Florida Complex League Pirates,Single-A Bradenton Marauders,and Double-A Altoona Curve,accumulating a combined 4-3 record and 6.54 ERA with 35 strikeouts across 27 appearances.
Franzua spent 2024 with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians,registering a 5-6 record and 4.55 ERA with 80 strikeouts and 5 saves in 61+1⁄3 innings pitched across 48 games. Franzua elected free agency following the season on November 4, 2024. [14]
