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.
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.
Wander Samuel Franco Aybar was born on March 1, 2001, in the Dominican Republic.
Wander Franco signed with the Tampa Bay Rays organization on July 2, 2017, marking the beginning of his professional baseball journey.
On July 14, 2018, while playing for the Princeton Rays, Wander Franco hit for the cycle, a significant accomplishment for the young player.
Wander Franco's first son, Wander Samuel Franco Jr., was born in late 2018.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wander Franco's on-base streak ended on September 30, 2021, after 43 consecutive games, tying him with Frank Robinson for the record.
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.
Wander Franco married his girlfriend after the 2021 MLB season.
Wander Franco made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2021 with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Wander Franco began the 2021 season in Triple-A with the Durham Bulls, where he maintained a strong batting performance.
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.
Wander Franco's second son was born in 2022.
Wander Franco was selected to his first All-Star game on July 4, 2023, as a replacement for the injured Aaron Judge.
Wander Franco represented the Dominican Republic in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, playing second base.
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.
Wander Franco was selected to his first MLB All-Star game in 2023.
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.