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Tampa Bay Rays: Don’t get too excited about Wander Franco’s photo

By Ryota Nishino

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 28: Manager Kevin Cash of the Tampa Bay Rays greets Wander Franco #80 prior to the Grapefruit League spring training game against the Washington Nationals at FITTEAM Ballpark of The Palm Beaches on February 28, 2020 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 28: Manager Kevin Cash of the Tampa Bay Rays greets Wander Franco #80 prior to the Grapefruit League spring training game against the Washington Nationals at FITTEAM Ballpark of The Palm Beaches on February 28, 2020 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Tampa Bay Rays prospect Wander Franco posted a photograph on Instagram that has fans wondering if he about to debut.

Wander Franco, the top prospect in baseball, has Tampa Bay Rays fans wondering if he is about to arrive. The 19 year old shortstop has the whole league waiting for him to be called up to the big leagues.

On Monday, Franco posted a picture on Instagram that left fans shocked.

Is this a sign that Franco will make his MLB debut in the World Series?

Well, Franco did post a photo of a jersey before the ALDS with the postseason logo on it, and he ended up not being on the roster for the series.

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The switch hitting prospect is a part of the 40 man roster, so it is possible for him to be called up to the World Series roster.

If he were to be added to the 28 man World Series roster, which will be submitted before today’s deadline, Franco would be the second player to debut in a World Series following Adalberto Mondesi.

What is the likelihood of Franco being called up?

Franco did post a similar photo before the ALDS. Franco might just be attempting to tease fans or could be merely highlighting the fact that his organization is competing in the World Series.

But, you do need to look at the whole picture.

The Rays’ starting shortstop Willy Adames has struggled in the postseason. The 25 year old shortstop is hitting just .132 with with only three runs batted in.

He has also struck out 17 times, which is the third most on the team in the playoffs.

But at the same time, Adames is a great defender and is a big reason why he is in the lineup everyday. He has made three errors in the postseason which is a little worrisome.

In the regular season, Adames hit .259 so manager Kevin Cash still must have a lot of faith in Adames’ ability to hit and get on base.

But you do start to wonder, will the Rays make a big move and add Franco to the 28 man roster to bolster its offense?

The Rays have been carried by the ALCS MVP Randy Arozarena this entire postseason and need help badly from the rest of the offense. Brandon Lowe and Austin Meadows have practically been non-factors in the postseason which is a serious concern as they prepare to face the red hot Dodgers lineup.

Can Franco be the answer?

The highly touted prospect holds an impressive offensive resume, and can handle the defensive needs of playing shortstop as well.

He has a .326 minor league batting average, with a .405 OBP and 20 home runs in 175 games.

The main reason why I do not think Franco will be called into the World Series is the lack of games, and that he has not played above Single-A yet.

As impressive as Franco has been in the minor leagues, he has not seen a Double-A or Triple-A pitching yet.

It would be a huge test for Franco to face off against a talented pitching staff like the Dodgers to start your MLB career.

Franco is just 19 years old, and Adames has been trusted this entire season to play shortstop. I just do not think it is viable for Franco to be playing in the World Series this week even though Adames has clearly been struggling to produce at the plate.

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But, we will not know until the Tampa Bay Rays 28 man roster is released.

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