3B – Maikel Franco

Name: Maikel Franco
Position: 3B
Bats: RH
Throws: RH
DOB: 8/26/1992
Height: 6′ 1″
Weight: 180

Drafted: Signed as a nondrafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic in January 2010

Pre Draft Report:

Franco was a relatively under the radar signing as a 17 year old old of the Dominican Republic

Career Synopsis:

Franco made a rather nondescript debut in the GCL in 2010.  He showed some power but he struggled making consistent contact.  He put up a .222/.292/.330 line and wasn’t really talked about going into 2011.

In 2011 the Phillies held him back in Extended Spring Training before sending him off to Williamsport.  He was very impressive in the NYP, he more than held his own showing off the ability to drive the ball.  He earned a promotion to LKW where he struggled greatly in his 66 PA he put up a .123/.149/.200 line.  He then returned to Williamsport where he reurned to his previous pace.  His .287/.367/.411 line earned him the ranking as BA’s #4 prospect in the New York Penn League.

Going into 2012 Franco was rated the #10 prospect in the Phillies’ system by BA, BP, and John Sickels.  He was assigned to Lakewood where he struggled for the first two months of the season before coming on strong posting a .346/.395/.530 line over the second half.  He showed the ability to hit for power and make contact, but his walk rate declined from its 2011 levels while his strikeout rate stayed relatively constant.  His season earned him the #16 ranking on BA’s SAL top 20.  Going into 2013 Baseball America rated him the #8 prospect in the system and Baseball Prospectus rated him #2.

Scouting Report: Below is an assessment of Franco’s raw tools, rated on the traditional 20-80 scouting scale. The grades are my estimation based on what I’ve read and those I’ve talked to. The second number is a future projection, the first number is the current assessment

Hit For Average: 45/55
Hit For Power: 55/65
Fielding: 50/60
Throwing Arm: 65
Speed: 20

Summary:  Franco as a very aggressive hitter but he has the ability to hit for both average and power.  At 3B Franco is at least average defensively and while he is not fast his actions are very good, his arm is plus and he profiles to continue to stick at third baseman.  His speed is poor but it will really only affect him on the base paths.

Upside:  Franco profiles as a middle of the order right handed hitter that can hit for both power and average.  He profiles to stick at 3B long term and could end up being a plus defender there.  To this point he has struggled early in his introduction to higher levels twice but has made adjustments both times.  There are some concerns that his swing could get long and that he could have contact issues at higher levels.

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Profile updated: 3/10/2013