Back to the Tampa Bay Rays Newsfeed

Wander Franco’s debut season has already been historic

Wander Franco’s debut season has been historic. At just 20 years old, he is accomplishing things that are putting him on the same record slabs at Mickey Mantle and has surpassed others such as Ken Griffey Jr, Ted Williams, and Henry Aaron.

Heading into play on Tuesday night, Franco thus far has hit .272/.333/.441 with 6 HR over 234 plate appearances. He has registered a 116 wRC+ and accrued 1.6 fWAR over 53 games played. His numbers appear even better once you learn that he endured a hefty slump over his first month in the big leagues. He has been able to overcome an absolutely dreadful start — though he did collect a home run in his big league debut — to becoming one the front runners for the American League Rookie of the Year award.