Wander Franco Scouting Report (Tampa Bay Rays, SS)

Age: 20 (3/1/2001)

Bats/Throws: S/R

Height/Weight: 5'10/189

Position: SS

Team: Tampa Bay Rays

Drafted: July 2nd Period, 2017 from Dominican Republic

Top Card: 2019 Bowman Baseball 

Base Auto Price (Subject to Change) - $1000+ 

2020 Stats: Did not play.

 

Wander Franco seems to be the perfect prospect. He has hit at every level showing an advanced approach at the plate. Wander is a tough out and seems to not have too many holes in his swing. He hits the ball hard and seems to be on the path of being a MVP candidate. His K rate has never been over 10% since his pro debut. 

Conclusion: It seems that across the industry there is no debate that Wander Franco is the number one prospect in baseball heading into the 2021 season. In previous years a prospect in Tampa Bay would get limited attention. These days market location does not matter. Franco's debut will be well covered and the Rays will be competitive. Its just a matter of time before his card prices explode even more. I expect him to make an impact immediately and hit for some power. Due to the high price of his 1st Bowman Auto, non-auto cards may have to be explored if looking for affordable options.   

Link to Stats via Fangraphs

The Best Information Source for MLB Prospecting

Every year (2019 and 2020) I make sure to mention the Baseball America Prospect Handbook. The 2021 edition of the book has been released. It is easily the best tool you can use to help you with prospecting. I encourage everyone seeing this message to look into buying a copy. The book has full scouting reports for every team, grade tools and other fun facts. 

Is the Arrival of the Next MLB Superstar On the Horizon?

Justin Verlander was drafted in 2004. Stephen Strasburg and Mike Trout were drafted in 2009 and Matt Chapman was drafted in 2014. It seems that on average an all-star player is drafted every 5 years. Of course there are players that fall in between the five year average. Bryce Harper was drafted in 2010. Mookie Betts was drafted in 2011 along with Javier Baez, Francisco Lindor Gerrit Cole and Trevor Bauer (loaded draft). The point I am making is I believe that the next generational talent could be already be in the MLB. After doing some research here are the candidates. If I am missing someone or if you disagree, please let me know in the comments. 

Primary Candidates

Wander Franco (Tampa Bay Rays, SS) - Superstar hit tool with power. 

Spencer Torkelson (Detroit Tigers, 1B/DH) - Future slugger. 

Bobby Witt Jr (Kansas City Royals, SS) - Good hit tool with power and will be elite on defense. 

Julio Rodriguez (Seattle Mariners, RF) - Crazy tools and young. 

Jasson Dominguez (New York Yankees, OF) - The Martian. Enough said. 

Dark Horse Candidates

Zac Veen (Colorado Rockies, CF) - Slugger that is not all swing and miss. 

Jarred Kelenic (Seattle Mariners, CF) - Polished prospect with tools. 

Ed Howard (Chicago Cubs, SS) - Expected to hit for power but everything else is there.

Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles, C) - Gifted prospect.

Quinn Priester (Pittsburgh Pirates, P) - Incredible arm talent. 

Hunter Greene (Cincinnati Reds, P) - Tommy John slowed him down but he can hit 100 with ease. 

Long Shot Candidates 

Jordyn Adams (Los Angeles Angels, CF) - Tons of tools but can he develop them. I think he can.

Ivan Herrera (St. Louis Cardinals, C) - Ivan can hit for power and the defense is superb.

Garrett Mitchell (Milwaukee Brewers, CF) - If the Brewers can change his swing he could be Christian Yelich 2.0.