One of the most exciting young talents in the big leagues is about to get paid. The Tampa Bay Rays and shortstop Wander Franco are nearing an agreement on a 12-year, $223 million extension, according to MLB Insider Hector Gomez:
BREAKING NEWS: Wander Franco signed a 12 year / $223 million contract extension with the Tampa Bay Rays.@z101digital @ZDeportes
— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) November 23, 2021
Rays beat writer Marc Topkin also said the deal is almost done:
BREAKING: #Rays, Wander Franco moving close to long term deal. Not final, details still to be worked out after T-giving. Expected to be in line with original report; more than 10 years, guarantee close to $200M.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) November 23, 2021
At just 20-years-old, Franco is absolutely electrifying. In his first MLB season in 2021, the Dominican hit .280 with seven homers and 39 RBI's in 70 games for Tampa. He also raked in the ALDS against the Red Sox, slashing .368 with two bombs as the Rays lost in four games.
The organization has a bright future with several young players at the forefront, but Franco is arguably the most important. He's a five-tool guy who can truly do it all on both sides of the ball.
This deal would be the biggest for a player of his age. Ronald Acuna secured $100 million at this point in his career but Franco is widely considered as a generational talent. The Rays are about to pay him like one.
While the details of the contract are unknown at this point, by the time he's in his mid-20s, Franco could still move onto a different ballclub. But for the time being, he is a cornerstone for the Rays and will undoubtedly be a favorite to win Rookie of the Year in 2022 as he enters his first full season at the major league level.
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