History of Wander Franco in Timeline
Wander Franco, known as "El Patron," is a Dominican professional baseball shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays. Since his MLB debut in 2021, he has become a standout player, earning All-Star recognition in 2023.
1961: On-Base Streak Record for Players Under 21
In 1961, a record was set for the longest on-base streak by a player under 21 years old. Wander Franco surpassed this record in 2021.
March 1, 2001: Birth of Wander Franco
Wander Samuel Franco Aybar was born on March 1, 2001, in the Dominican Republic.
July 2, 2017: Signing with the Tampa Bay Rays
Wander Franco signed with the Tampa Bay Rays organization on July 2, 2017, marking the beginning of his professional baseball journey.
July 14, 2018: First Cycle
On July 14, 2018, while playing for the Princeton Rays, Wander Franco hit for the cycle, a significant accomplishment for the young player.
2018: Birth of First Son
Wander Franco's first son, Wander Samuel Franco Jr., was born in late 2018.
2019: Previous Contract Record
In 2019, Ronald Acuña Jr. signed an eight-year, $100 million contract extension, which was the previous record for the youngest player to sign a contract worth at least $100 million.
2019: All-Star Futures Game and Continued Success
In 2019, Wander Franco was named to the All-Star Futures Game, showcasing his rising potential. He continued to excel in the minor leagues throughout the year.
2020: Top Prospect and Pandemic Impact
Wander Franco was ranked the No. 1 prospect in baseball in 2020 but did not play in any MLB or minor league games due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He played in the Dominican Winter League instead.
June 20, 2021: MLB Promotion and Debut
On June 20, 2021, Wander Franco was promoted to the major leagues by the Tampa Bay Rays. He made his debut on the same day, hitting a home run in his first game.
September 30, 2021: On-Base Streak Record
Wander Franco's on-base streak ended on September 30, 2021, after 43 consecutive games, tying him with Frank Robinson for the record.
November 23, 2021: Record-Breaking Contract Extension
On November 23, 2021, Wander Franco signed an eleven-year, $182 million contract extension with the Tampa Bay Rays, making it the largest contract ever for a player with less than one year of major league service.
2021: Marriage
Wander Franco married his girlfriend after the 2021 MLB season.
2021: MLB Debut
Wander Franco made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2021 with the Tampa Bay Rays.
2021: Triple-A Performance
Wander Franco began the 2021 season in Triple-A with the Durham Bulls, where he maintained a strong batting performance.
April 22, 2022: First Multi-Home Run Game
Wander Franco hit his first multi-home run game on April 22, 2022, against the Boston Red Sox, becoming the youngest player in Tampa Bay Rays history to do so.
2022: Birth of Second Son
Wander Franco's second son was born in 2022.
July 4, 2023: First All-Star Game Selection
Wander Franco was selected to his first All-Star game on July 4, 2023, as a replacement for the injured Aaron Judge.
2023: World Baseball Classic Participation
Wander Franco represented the Dominican Republic in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, playing second base.
2023: Administrative Leave and Investigation
Wander Franco was placed on administrative leave during the 2023 season and is facing an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. His status for the 2024 season is pending the result of the investigation.
2023: All-Star Selection
Wander Franco was selected to his first MLB All-Star game in 2023.
2024: Future Uncertain
Wander Franco's future in baseball is uncertain as of 2024, pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.