Wander Franco: The No. 1 Prospect Hoping To Make A Big League Impact

On this day, Major League Baseball’s number one prospect turns 20. In what has been a relatively short, albeit whirlwind start to Wander Franco’s career, a first taste of the Majors appears seemingly near for the highly rated and much vaunted young star. For a second successive year, the Dominican-born shortstop leads the line as MLB’s #1 prospect. A natural power hitter, combined with Franco’s athleticism and defence on the diamond, it has profoundly heightened the potential of this switch-hitter as he aims to wriggle his way through to a spot on the starting lineup with current American League champions, the Tampa Bay Rays.

“I’m ready to play in the big leagues”, exclaimed Franco this past Saturday as he gave an interview to the Tampa Bay Times via Zoom. It is a bold statement, but one of optimism, nonetheless, given that he is yet to play a single competitive game above Class A. It was only in 2017, that the Rays signed Franco as part of the International class. Now, four swift years into the future, the infielder joins an exclusive group as one of baseball’s finest young talents that contains both Bryce Harper and Corey Seager. There is little doubt that Franco will enjoy a long, prosperous and rewarding career in Major League Baseball but, the immediate question remains; when will he be promoted?

The Rays currently have a more than capable, relatively youthful, shortstop in Willy Adames who, in a shortened 2020 season, batted .259/.332/481 with 8 home runs and 74 strike outs in 185 plate appearances. Perhaps a slightly displeasing season for himself with both bat and glove, the 25 year old will no doubt be looking over his shoulder as baseball’s top prospect breathes down his neck. Competition is essential to squeezing the best out of players and, with the accomplished Adames having a point to prove, it not only increases the amount of time Franco has to further development, but it should also give an added incentive for Adames as he looks to improve his own game. A win-win situation for Tampa.

It would be uncharacteristic of the Rays organisation to adopt an aggressive approach towards Franco, anyway, especially given his strikingly young age. It is probable that the shortstop will continue his road to the Majors by starting the 2021 season at Double-A, potentially even Triple-A, before he is considered for a place in the Rays’ 40-man roster. There is more than reasonable justification in believing that Franco will blossom into one of baseball’s finest, as the past unearths an array of his formidable offense and defence, that has shaped this electric switch-hitter into the athlete he is today. A clean, crisp swing that oozes confidence and skill, is easy on the eye, combines with slick glove work in the diamond that places Franco into the complete player category.

Following a 2020 season that, for Covid-19 purposes, temporarily halted all Minor League Baseball, one must travel back to 2019 in order to take a glimpse at Franco’s previous baseball endeavours. 425 plate appearances spawned an eyebrow-raising stat-line, as he batted .327/.398/.487 with 9 home runs and 18 stolen bases. He walks a lot, too, increasing his ability to get on base, something that the Rays certainly look for as part of their recruitment process. No need for recruitment, though, as the Rays can afford to take as much time as they please before making the much anticipated decision to call Franco up to the Majors.

It is not merely Franco’s work with the bat that impresses so many, as his defensive abilities arguably stretch further than his hitting game. Defensive versatility is an integral attribute to a Major League infielder. The ability to play second and third base, in addition to his favoured position, further enhances the Dominican’s importance. His speed and fierce, accurate, arm cater for such versatility which, when combined with his impressive consistency with the bat, reinforce his position atop the list of prospects. A fielding percentage of .968 with 255 assists in 2019 illustrates this defensive ability and, as discussed previously about the current depth in his natural position, there is much possibility that Franco will begin life in Major League Baseball elsewhere on the infield. “If an opportunity arises where I’ve got to play second base or third base, I’ll play.” No reason to feel alarmed, then, as Franco himself discussed that very possibility with a clear, confident attitude that will aid him too in his search for success.

The Florida franchise arrive into 2021 on the back of World Series heartbreak, following a competitive series with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Rays have a rather unique philosophy that mirrors much of the Oakland A’s in the early 2000s. They are foreign to the idea of locking up their most talented to big-money, lengthy contracts. The small market Rays’ recent success is a result of fastidious coaching and an underdog mentality. They have had some exceptional talent, too, but as pitchers Blake Snell and Charlie Morton depart the bay, transferring the success of yesteryear to this year may be slightly demanding. One piece of this complex puzzle may already exist within their organisation, as Franco’s ability with both bat and glove could be the perfect recipe for further prosperity.

“This year I’m really just focused on getting into the big leagues”, reiterates Franco as he and the Rays commence Spring Training. An impressive March will undoubtedly enhance the shortstop’s chances of an early call up, as he’s tentatively scheduled to start Tuesday’s nationally televised game against the Boston Red Sox as Tampa Bay’s designated hitter, hoping to turn even more heads on his path to Major League glory.