Baseball
Wander Franco a 22 years old athlete is an esteemed baseball player who currently serves as the Tampa Bay Rays' shortstop. He has earned the prestigious distinction of being ranked the number one prospect by MLB Pipeline and is regarded as one of the premier talents in the baseball arena.
Franco swiftly rose to the stature of an All-Star player making his debut in Major League Baseball on June 22, 2021. He maintains a remarkable career batting average of .288, accompanied by 19 home runs and 68 RBIs. Known for his exceptional hitting proficiency and adept defensive capabilities Franco stands as a bold figure in the realm of baseball.
Wander has spent 3 seasons in MLB and has gained vital experience in the world of professional years, Franco amassed a total of $12,140,901 after playing for 3 seasons. Wander Franco has an estimated net worth of $6.1 Million. He has achieved remarkable success in his young career and has signed a contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. In 2023, Franco receives a fundamental income amounting to $2 million, contributing to his overall earnings of $2,454,545.
Franco has an estimated net worth of $6.1 Million. SOURCE: Instagarm- @w_franco_4 Apart from Wander Franco, Within the realm of MLB sports, several affluent and engaged athletes stand out: In the realm of baseball, the athlete having an enormous net worth is Alex Rodriguez, positioned at the forefront with a staggering $350 million in assets.
Trailing closely is Derek Jeter boasting a considerable net fortune of $200 million. Albert Pujols secures a prominent spot on the ranking with a significant net worth of $339.21 million, while Miguel Cabrera follows suit with a noteworthy net value of $321 million. Completing the top five is Justin Verlander, who stands out with an impressive net worth totaling $274.588 million.
On August 13, 2023, social media posts went viral alleging that Wander Franco, a 22-year-old MLB player for the Tampa Bay Rays, had been in an inappropriate relationship with a minor. The posts, which have since been deleted, included screenshots of alleged text messages between Franco and the minor. The posts also alleged that Franco had sent the minor explicit photos of himself.
The Tampa Bay Rays released a statement on the matter, saying that they were aware of the social media posts and were taking the situation seriously. They said that they were in close contact with Major League Baseball (MLB) as they conducted their due diligence.
Franco did not play in the Rays' game on August 13. He was in the dugout for the first five innings, but then left the game and did not return. Rays manager Kevin Cash said that Franco was given a day off, but he declined to comment further on the matter.
MLB has not yet commented on the allegations against Franco. However, they have a strict policy against underage sex, and any player found to have violated that policy could face serious disciplinary action, including suspension or even expulsion from the league.
Wander Franco inked a lengthy 11-year agreement with the Tampa Bay Rays on November 23, 2021. The contract, totaling an impressive $182 million, ranges a $5 million signing bonus that bolsters its value. The annual salary distribution unfolds as follows: $1 million in 2022, $2 million for the years 2023 and 2024, a significant increase to $8 million in 2025, a major leap to $15 million in 2026, followed by $22 million in 2027, and ultimately stabilizing at $25 million from 2028 through 2032.
Franco seems like he loves driving SOURCE: Instagram- @w_franco_4 The contract's tenure spans until the peak of the 2032 season, and it secures Franco's earnings with a $25 million club option for an additional 12th season. Remarkably, performance-based salary escalators tied to MVP voting placements from 2028 onward could elevate the contract's potential value to an impressive $223 million.
While the contract doesn't include a no-trade clause, Franco stands to gain a $3 million bonus in the event of a trade. This comprehensive 11-year pact includes the remaining six years of team control, spanning three pre-arbitration and three arbitration years, followed by five years as a free agent, with the option for an additional free agent year.
| YEAR | TEAM | EARNING |
| 2017 | TAMPA BAY RAYS | $3,825,000 |
| 2021 | TAMPA BAY RAYS | $315,901 |
| 2022 | TAMPA BAY RAYS | $6,000,000 |
| 2023 | TAMPA BAY RAYS | $2,000,000 |
| TOTAL CASH | $12,140,901 |
Wander Franco's familial ties to the sport are well-known with his father and two brothers also pursuing professional baseball careers. His journey with the Tampa Bay Rays began in 2017 when he signed as an international free agent. Starting his professional odyssey in the minor leagues.
Franco is in 11-year contract deal with the Rays SOURCE: Instagram- @w_franco_4 The player honed his skills while playing for diverse teams such as the Princeton Rays, Charlotte Stone Crabs, and Montgomery Biscuits. This developmental phase led him to his momentous MLB debut on June 22, 2021, marking the initiation of rapid growth.
Considered the top prospect by MLB Pipeline, Franco's skills on both the offensive and defensive fronts, particularly in his role as a shortstop has been a hallmark of his playing style. Franco's meteoric curve is underscored by his achievements, including his designation as an All-Star player and his landmark contract with the Tampa Bay Rays in November 2021. As Franco's career continues its upward curve, his captivating career serves as a compelling narrative to watch in the unfolding chapters of baseball history.
Franco with a track record spanning up to June 15, 2023, has participated in 163 games, amassing 581 at-bats and registering statistics that include 81 runs, 21 home runs, and 104 RBIs, all while maintaining a batting average of .288.
Wander Franco currently plays for the Rays. SOURCE: Instagarm- @w_franco_4 This young talent's expertise is further underscored by an on-base percentage (OBP) of .358 and a slugging percentage (SLG) of .453. Franco's performance stands out with 54 doubles, 7 triples, and 21 home runs to his name.
Moreover, Franco's achievements extend to earning an All-Star designation and possessing the unique ability to switch-hit, which showcased his versatility by batting from both the left and right sides of the plate—a trait that draws comparisons to iconic switch hitters like Mickey Mantle and Chipper Jones.
Franco's swiftness on the basepaths is remarkable which is proved by his 17 stolen bases. His versatility is a cornerstone of his playing style, as he effortlessly navigates both shortstop and third base positions and combines this adaptability with a patient approach at the plate, characterized by a high walk rate and a minimal strikeout rate.
