Tampa Bay Rays: Wander Franco expects huge payday in near future

Tampa Bay Rays prospect Wander Franco sees a huge payday in his future, although one has to wonder how realistic that actually is.

Tampa Bay Rays prospect Wander Franco is expected to have a bright future. After just two seasons in professional ball, Franco rocketed up the prospect charts, ranking as the consensus top overall prospect in the game. Given how scouts are raving about his ability and future, one can imagine that Franco is expecting big things from himself as well.

Not only does Franco expect to become a star, but he is expecting a large payday as well. According to Hector Gomez, Franco can see himself receiving a $300 million contract offer within the next four years.

Well, one can certainly say that Franco is confident in himself moving forward. And he certainly has high expectations for his career. But considering that Franco has yet to play above high A ball, that type of extension in such a short period of time seems unrealistic.

This is especially the case given that he is a member of the Rays. The largest extension in team history was given to Evan Longoria, a six year pact worth $100 million. Longoria, despite being the face of the franchise and easily their greatest player, was traded just one year into that extension, shipped to the Giants for a package of prospects and Denard Span.

Franco has certainly been impressive in the minors. In two seasons, comprising of 768 plate appearances, he has put together a .336/.405/.523 batting line, hitting 20 homers and 37 doubles while stealing 22 bases. He has also displayed an advanced feel at the plate, with 83 walks and just 54 strikeouts.

The Rays have not been shy about handing prospects extensions early in their careers. Longoria’s first extension came just after his debut, and Matt Moore signed an extension before the 2012 season. It would not be a shock to see the Rays attempt to ink Franco to a long term deal in the near future.

If Wander Franco is holding out for a $300 million extension from the Tampa Bay Rays, he is due to be disappointed. Unless, of course, that extension is a 20 year deal at minimum.