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Wander Franco named fifth-best shortstop prospect by MLB Pipeline

His hit grade was the highest of the bunch

MLB Pipeline continues their top ten prospect positional rankings as they move from third base over to shortstop.

The Rays prospect being featured this time is none other than Wander Franco, the teenage phenom who rose all the way to the top of the Rays stacked system, despite being just 17-years-old.

On the list of shortstop prospects, Wander Franco was named the fifth best.

MLB Pipeline’s Top Ten SS Prospects

  1. Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres
  2. Royce Lewis, Twins
  3. Brendan Rodgers, Rockies
  4. Bo Bichette, Blue Jays
  5. Wander Franco, Rays
  6. Carter Kieboom, Nationals
  7. Andres Gimenez, Mets
  8. Jazz Chisholm, Diamondbacks
  9. Gavin Lux, Dodgers
  10. Luis Garcia, Nationals

Although he won’t turn 18 for another month, Franco is already rated as the top hitter among the shortstop prospects.

Best Hitter: Franco (70)

The beginning of Franco’s career resembles that of fellow prospect Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s, as does his hitting ability. Though Franco was the second-youngest regular in the Rookie-level Appalachian League last summer at age 17, he won the Most Valuable Player Award and batted .351/.418/.587 with more extra-base hits (28) and walks (27) than strikeouts (19).

Franco is expected to begin the year in Single-A, but his offensive prowl may help propel him quickly through the system.

Tomorrow, MLB Pipeline will move onto the outfield, where the Rays may be featured again with the likes of Jesus Sanchez possibly making the cut.