In 2015, Maikel Franco was one of the few bright spots on a team that was among the worst in team history. He only heightened expectations for his having a good to great season in 2016 by launching nine home runs in 68 spring training at bats. That performance, coupled with his previous year’s numbers (.280/.343/.497 in 335 PA), led many to think he had figured out major league pitching and would have a monster season. With so few offensive weapons on the roster, Franco was being counted on to carry the offense in a way he may not been asked to do on another team.
Why Did Pitchers Approach Maikel Franco the Way They Did?
