The Tampa Bay Rays have opened up their pocketbooks for a massive paycheck.
This morning, the back-to-back American League East champs signed their young star shortstop, Wander Franco, to a huge contract extension. The deal is for 12 years and is worth up to $223 Million, according to MLB insider Hector Gomez.
The Rays traded their previous shortstop Willy Adames to the Brewers along with pitcher Trevor Richards for Drew Rasmussen and J.P. Feyereisen, in hopes opening up a spot for their up-and coming young phenom. Now, Tampa Bay has their young star locked up for a long time.
The new contract guarantees Franco around $185 million, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The deal maxes out at $223 Million. Passan says the deal is done, pending just a few small details, which many are reporting will be hammered out after Thanksgiving.
The Rays are continuing to build their young core and set themselves up for success in the future. They reached the World Series in 2020, losing to the Dodgers in six games. They won an American League best 100 games in 2021 before being knocked out in the ALDS by the Red Sox. With a core of Franco, Randy Arozarena, Yandy Diaz, Brandon Lowe, Austin Meadows, Kevin Kiermaier, and more, the Rays have a lot to look forward to. Their small market model of success has taken them to the postseason three straight years, and has done so without them needing to dish out that many huge contracts, though the deal for Franco is one of the largest deals in franchise history.
Tampa Bay looks to be the favorite in the east heading into 2022. Their core should lead them to some more memorable moments and postseason runs, if everything goes according to plan.
And the best part about this deal is that when it expires in 2034, the Mets will still be paying Bobby Bonilla.
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