Perhaps Phillies fans were expecting too much too soon from Maikel Franco. After all, he was only 23 years old in 2015 when he hit .280 with 22 doubles, 14 home runs, and a .840 OPS in 80 games. Even in 2016, his numbers were solid overall with 25 home runs, 88 RBI, and a .255 batting average.
Impatient as we can sometimes be as fans, many expected a breakout season in 2017. However, Franco’s batting average dropped again to .235 and an on-base percentage of .281. He did hit 24 home runs and knock in 76, which for most players would be a very productive season.