32. Wander Franco

What a shame.

Before we get to why that is, let’s look at what Wander Franco was supposed to be. 

Franco was signed by the Rays in 2017 from the Dominican Republic and dominated in the Minors.  He was called up in 2021 and did enough in only 70 Games to finish third in the AL Rookie of the Year voting.  Tampa was so impressed that they did something that they never do: they made a long-term investment in a player.  The Rays inked Franco to an 11-year contract extension worth 182 million.  He was only 20 years old and had the world by the balls.  Or so we thought.   We will get there soon.

Franco missed time in 2022 with hand injuries, though he still batted .277 with 87 Hits in 83 Games. He got off to a torrid start in 2023, making the All-Star team as an injury replacement for Aaron Judge and showcasing sparkling defence at Short. His power was up (17 Home Runs), and he had 30 stolen bases by early August, but he was placed on administrative leave due to alleged sexual activities with an underage girl.

Franco is unlikely to return to the Majors, and if we based this solely on character, he would not be here at all.  That is not how we work here, so Franco is ranked and will be until he is pushed out.