Wander Franco Continues to Eye MLB Call-Up

DURHAM NC – Perhaps one of the most anticipated prospects in Durham Bulls history, MLB’s top prospect Wander Franco is destined for a big-league call-up. If he continues to play up to his potential, he should be on his way to Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay sooner rather than later. The 20-year-old phenom is already off to a solid start to the campaign for the Bulls.

Despite their 4-3 defeat on Tuesday’s home opener to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, the Bulls still sit at a respectable 5-2 record. The early success from Franco has been a clear reflection of the Bulls offensive production as they have piled up a total of 52 runs in seven games.

Heading into the contest versus the Jumbo Shrimp, Franco supported a .304 batting average, hitting two home runs, five RBI, and one stolen base. The impressive start brought his minor league career average to .335 since entering the league in 2018, to go with 22 homers in a total of 690 at-bats. 

Franco batted second while playing shortstop on Tuesday evening. He would finish the night going 0 for 3, popping out to second base, striking out swinging, and flying out to centerfield. He registered his sixth RBI in the seventh inning, hitting a sacrifice fly to left field to bring in the club’s second run of the game. The performance dropped his batting average down to .269, but there should not be any concern regarding his quiet night at the plate.  

The Bulls have been a potent offense, with Franco batting both leadoff and in the two-hole. His ability to take pitches and work the count to go with his speed and pure power is extraordinary to watch. Franco is also showcasing his versatility on defense, playing both positions up the middle, which could make the call-up come even quicker. 

The Rays have mostly been playing by a committee between Brandon Lowe, Joey Wendle, Mike Brosseau, Willy Adames, and Joey Wendle, interchanging between shortstop and second base. It is unclear when precisely the call-up will come, but the Bulls will continue to enjoy Franco’s star power presence in their lineup for as long as they can during the 2021 season.