MLB rumors: 5 prospects who can help Rays in 2019

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - SEP 28: 2017 top international signee Wander Franco of the Rays lines a pitch for a hit during the Florida Instructional League (FIL) game between the FIL Braves and FIL Rays on September 28, 2017, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ST. PETERSBURG, FL – SEP 28: 2017 top international signee Wander Franco of the Rays hustles over to second base during the Florida Instructional League (FIL) game between the FIL Braves and FIL Rays on September 28, 2017, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Wander Franco, Shortstop

If you don’t already know the name, you will soon.

Wander Franco could be one of the most impactful prospects that they Rays have yet to bring up into the Major Leagues. Already this season he has a single game where he went two-for-two with a walk and hit-by-pitch in rookie-level Princeton’s season opener. Franco is a superstar in the making while coming up in this loaded Rays’ farm system.

Signed on opening day of the 2017 international signing period, Franco has set the organization on fire since he put his signature on the dotted line. He was named the Appalachian League MVP in 2018, despite being three years younger than the average player in the league. Franco racked up the highest OPS (1.004) of any shortstop in the minor league in 2018 who had a minimum of 250 plate appearances.

Not only has his talent in the field earned him plenty of laurels, but Franco has major league bat-speed when he steps up to the plate. He has already displayed ability to use all parts of the field in his at bats and he’s currently walked more times than he’s struck out in his career. Plus, he’s a switch-hitter.

Franco is good enough to earn an appearance in the conversation about baseball’s best prospect if he can continue to build off of last year’s success.

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