Phillies: 24 Departed Players from 2019 Major League Roster

8 of 25

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 14: Maikel Franco #7 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Boston Red Sox during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 14, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia Phillies (2014-19)
Kansas City Royals (2020 – Present)

Six seasons, 656 games, 102 doubles, and 343 RBI later, Maikel Franco will not be a part of the Phillies roster for the first time since the 2013 season.

The Phillies relied heavily on Franco in recent years, particularly the 2016, 2017 and 2018 seasons. Yet, his home run and RBI total declined in each of the campaigns, 25-24-22 and 88-76-68, respectively.

This past season, the Phillies opted to use Scott Kingery more at the hot corner, and Franco saw his fewest games played and plate appearances since 2015 as a result. Franco did start the season hot and was infamously donned “the best eighth hitter in baseball.” Through his first 16 games, he slugged six home runs and 17 RBI, good for a .259/.385/.630 slash line. He would have just 11 more home runs the rest of the season.

On December 27, the Phillies signed Franco to a one-year, $2.95 million contract. He will be the Royals’ everyday third baseman, as the team has moved Hunter Dozier to right field and Whit Merrifield to center.

In Kanas City, Franco reunites with former Phillies scouting director Mike Arbuckle, who is now the Royals’ Senior Advisor to the General Manager/Scouting & Player Development.

INF Maikel Franco (Royals)