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2018 – The Last Chance for Phillies Maikel Franco

By William Zeltman

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Maikel Franco #7 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a home run during the second inning of a game against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on September 30, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Maikel Franco #7 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a home run during the second inning of a game against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on September 30, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Next season may be Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco’s last chance to be a starting player for the team.

Maikel Franco was once considered a prospect that the rebuilding Phillies could build a franchise around. Now the 25-year-old has had declining numbers each year since his MLB rookie campaign.

Franco’s recent off the field antics resulted in a suspension during winter ball. His behavior could wear Phillies management’s patience thin and make 2018 a make or break season for his career.

ESPN Deportes reported earlier in the week that Franco was suspended for partying with three other teammates early in the morning prior to a game. This is not the message the third baseman wants to send after seeing a drop in his production each season since his rookie campaign in 2015.

Franco’s 2017 numbers were dismal hitting just .230 with 24 home runs and 76 RBI’s. He had an OBP of only .281, OPS of .690, and a negative WAR of -0.6. Franco ranked as one of the worst productive third basemen in the league for the season.

The third baseman needs to be doubling his efforts to improve and show that he can learn to be more patient at the plate. He needs to be a more complete hitter instead of partying and missing valuable playing time. He needs to improve his 3.75 P/PA and learn to select the right pitches to hit to improve his batting average and increase walks.

Franco now has the choice to work harder to improve and remain the starting third baseman for the Phillies. Or he can continue as is and be relegated to a part-time player or used as part of a trade.

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Maikel Franco has the raw talent to be an impact player for the Philadelphia Phillies. He needs to develop that talent with hard work instead of getting into the kind of trouble that landed him a suspension in winter ball. Franco has the tools, but does he have the heart and work ethic to live up to his potential? Next year will probably answer that question.

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