Maikel Franco: Rising Star for Philadelphia Phillies?
Despite Maikel Franco‘s 2015 season being cut short, he looks like a rising star for the Philadelphia Phillies heading into 2016.
Entering the 2015 season, Maikel Franco was seen as one of the Philadelphia Phillies’ top prospects; however, he started the season in the minor leagues. After tearing the cover off the ball at Triple-A, the Philadelphia Phillies decided to call up their prized prospect. Maikel Franco quickly made a splash at the MLB level, and he looked like a contender for National League Rookie of the Year before an injury ended his season.
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Maikel Franco finished the 2015 season with 14 home runs and 50 RBI; moreover, he owned an impressive .280/.343/.497 slash line in 80 games with the Phillies. After an impressive rookie campaign, Maikel Franco enters the 2016 season as the starting third baseman, where he looks to build off of his rookie numbers. Despite the Phillies’ rebuilding mentality, Maikel Franco is one player to build around for the future.
With Maikel Franco entering his sophomore season, he gives Philadelphia Phillies fans a taste of the return from rebuilding the farm system. While the third base position is deep with talent, Maikel Franco should engrain himself as one of the best in the game. Led by an impact bat, Maikel Franco possesses immense raw power, and he has demonstrated that so far in Spring Training, hitting six home runs in 11 games while owning a .367/.424/.697 slash line.
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In Maikel Franco’s abbreviated stint with the Phillies, he put up solid strikeout (15.5%) and walk (7.8%) rates, which should translate to continued success in the MLB. Also, Maikel Franco put up an impressive .217 isolated power; which, combined with his solid strikeout rate, put him in exclusive territory, being one of seven players to have an isolated power over .200 and a strikeout rate under 16 percent (per Fangraphs).
Maikel Franco quickly made a name for himself at the top level, but he must sustain his advanced numbers, including a .360 wOBA and 128 wRC+. In 2015, while with the Phillies, Maikel Franco’s BABIP sat at .297, which is certainly sustainable heading into the 2016 season. If Maikel Franco can continue to showcase his advanced plate discipline, mixed with impressive power, he has a chance to come close to 30 home runs this upcoming season.
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While Kris Bryant stole the show in the National League, Maikel Franco put together an impressive rookie campaign, even if it flew under the radar. The Philadelphia Phillies, finally, have a key piece to work around moving forward. Although Maikel Franco is a third baseman by trade, a move over to first base seems inevitable. Once the Philadelphia Phillies figure out what to do with Ryan Howard, Maikel Franco will likely make the transition across the diamond.
Maikel Franco’s advanced eye at the plate should play well for his (hopefully) first full season. Franco is a young star that should be known on a more consistent basis. Due to the Phillies’ terrible 2015 campaign, Maikel Franco did not get the attention he deserves. He will be an impact bat in a depleted line up for the Phillies, and he should provide admirable defense at the hot corner.
Hopefully, Maikel Franco has some protection in the line-up in 2016, because there is a real possibility of him getting pitched around. Maikel Franco is just the beginning of the Philadelphia Phillies’ overhaul, and he should be joined by fellow high-profile prospects in the farm system. With a 1.5 WAR in just 80 games, Maikel Franco might find himself in the 2016 MLB All-Star Game, especially with Cole Hamels out of the picture in Philly.
Next: Ozzie Albies: Ready to Make Impact for Atlanta Braves?
Keep a close eye on Maikel Franco this season, because he could breakout at the plate and be one of the most impressive sophomore players in baseball. The Phillies have a gem on their hands, and it is only a matter of time before he becomes a star around the league.