Career Timeline of Wander Franco: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Wander Franco built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Wander Samuel Franco Aybar, a Dominican professional baseball shortstop nicknamed "El Patron," plays for the Tampa Bay Rays in MLB. He debuted in 2021 and became an All-Star in 2023. In August 2023, Franco was placed on administrative leave following allegations of relationships with underage girls in the Dominican Republic, triggering an investigation.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1961: Longest Run by Player Under 21

In 1961, Wander Franco reached base safely for the 26th consecutive game, setting a record for the longest run by a player under 21 years old.

July 2, 2017: Signed with Tampa Bay Rays

On July 2, 2017, Wander Franco signed with the Tampa Bay Rays organization for a signing bonus of $3.85 million.

July 14, 2018: Hit for the Cycle

On July 14, 2018, while playing for the Princeton Rays, Wander Franco hit for the cycle.

2019: Record Contract Extension

In 2019, Ronald Acuña Jr. signed an eight-year, $100 million contract extension, becoming the record holder until Wander Franco surpassed that record in 2021.

2019: Ranked as Top Prospect

Prior to the 2019 season, Wander Franco was ranked as the fourth best prospect in baseball by Baseball America. During 2019 he was promoted to the Charlotte Stone Crabs and was also named to the All-Star Futures Game.

2020: Ranked Number 1 Prospect

Prior to the 2020 season, Wander Franco was ranked the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball. In 2020, the Rays added Franco to their pool of players who would be eligible to play in the Major League Baseball postseason, but he did not appear in an MLB game.

June 20, 2021: Promotion to Major Leagues Announced

On June 20, 2021, the Rays announced that Wander Franco would be promoted to the major leagues, prior to the team’s series against the Boston Red Sox.

September 30, 2021: Consecutive Games Reached Base

On September 30, 2021, Wander Franco's streak ended at 43 consecutive games reaching base, tying him with Frank Robinson.

November 23, 2021: Contract Extension with Rays

On November 23, 2021, Wander Franco and the Rays agreed to an eleven-year, $182 million contract extension, with a club option of $25 million for a twelfth year, making him the youngest player in baseball history to sign a contract worth at least $100 million.

2021: MLB Debut

In 2021, Wander Franco made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Tampa Bay Rays.

2021: Invited to Major League Spring Training

In 2021, Wander Franco was invited to major league spring training by the Rays, beginning the season in Triple-A with the Durham Bulls after not making the team.

April 22, 2022: First Multi Home Run Game

On April 22, 2022, Wander Franco had his first multi home run game against the Boston Red Sox, becoming the youngest player in Tampa Bay Rays franchise history to achieve this feat.

July 4, 2023: Selected to All-Star Game

On July 4, 2023, Wander Franco was selected to his first All-Star game as the roster replacement for Aaron Judge, who was injured.

August 13, 2023: Franco Placed on Administrative Leave

On August 13, 2023, Wander Franco was placed on administrative leave by MLB due to an ongoing investigation into allegations of relationships with underage girls in the Dominican Republic.

2023: Played in World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Wander Franco represented the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, playing second base and splitting time with Ketel Marte. He hit .222/.417/.222 with a team-leading three walks.