Title: Wander Franco Emerges as Rays’ Unsung Hero, Earns All-Star Game Spot
SEATTLE – Although the Tampa Bay Rays have made an impressive start to the 2023 season, with standout performances from Cuban players Randy Arozarena and Yandy Díaz, as well as pitcher Shane McClanahan, it’s Wander Franco who has quietly become the team’s MVP. Leading the American League East with a 58-35 record, the Rays’ success owes much to Franco’s stellar performance.
Recently crowned the team’s WAR (Wins Above Replacement) leader, Franco has earned recognition in both FanGraphs (3.8) and Baseball-Reference (4.3) rankings. Out of all non-pitching players, Franco is only surpassed by the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuna Jr., and Mookie Betts on the FanGraphs list.
Despite his undeniable impact, Franco’s All-Star Game selection was not initially guaranteed. However, luck smiled upon the young shortstop as he stepped in to replace injured star Aaron Judge from the New York Yankees. Reflecting on the opportunity, Franco expressed his immense gratitude and excitement for his first-ever All-Star appearance.
Having joined the Rays’ main roster three seasons ago, Franco’s career has always promised great potential. At only 22 years old, his contributions during the first half of this season have been impressive, with a batting average of .278, an OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging) of .797, and an impressive defensive record. These numbers, combined with his remarkable attribute of 28 stolen bases, justify his high WAR rating.
However, Franco’s journey has not been without hurdles. Injuries limited his game time to just 83 matches last year, hampering his offensive output. More recently, he faced setbacks due to emotional outbursts and lack of maturity on the field. Manager Kevin Cash benched Franco for a couple of games against the Orioles, citing a need for emotional control and discipline amidst poor performance. Arguments with umpires, helmet-smashing incidents, and a heated dispute with Arozarena in the dugout painted a concerning picture.
Fortunately, since returning to the lineup on June 24, Franco has shown marked improvement in his emotional control. The young prodigy acknowledges the lessons learned during his benching and is determined to continue excelling while maintaining his newfound composure.
The Rays’ decision to bet big on Franco’s potential during the 2021-22 offseason seems to have paid off. Signing an 11-year, $182 million contract despite his limited major league experience, Franco expresses his gratitude towards the organization for placing their trust in him when he needed it the most.
Despite the road bumps, Franco’s emergence as a hidden gem has fortified the Rays’ confidence as they aspire to achieve 100 victories this season. With collective goals set high, Franco’s unwavering commitment to his team exemplifies the determination that permeates the Tampa Bay clubhouse.
As the young infielder himself puts it, “Moving forward and continue battling.” As the second half of the season unfolds, all eyes will remain on Wander Franco, the unsung hero lifting the Rays toward success.