Wander Franco

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Houston Astros #22 prospect in 2016
  Wander Franco has an older brother who is a solid prospect in his own right in the Royals organization named . . .Wander Franco. The Francos are the nephews of Braves shortstop Erick Aybar and former big leaguer Willy Aybar. Signed as a shortstop, the younger Franco lacks the athleticism of his uncle Erick and he quickly moved to third base, something his large lower half foreshadowed. But he can really hit, which is why the Astros spent $575,000. They also have been willing to push Franco quickly--he made it to low Class A Quad Cities as an 18-year-old. The switch-hitting Franco has a chance to have an average hit tool with average power. Now that he's moved to third, he's also an average defender with soft, quick hands and a quick exchange. His tick above-average arm is accurate as well. He is a long way from Houston, but he could end up as an everyday third baseman. He's ready to take a full shot at low Class A Quad Cities.
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  Ranked Kansas City Royals #26 prospect in 2015
  Franco has a brother, also named Wander, who is a shortstop in the Astros system. The Royals' Wander is a lanky switch-hitting third baseman with natural bat-to-ball skills and a smooth swing from both sides of the plate. A shoulder injury hindered him in 2014, forcing him to hit righthanded only. Franco has a loose, handsy swing and projects as an above-average hitter, but will he fill out and gain much-needed core strength? He presently has well below-average power. Pre-injury, Franco showed a tick above-average arm that fit at third base. He has the athleticism to stick at third as an average defender.