Report: Rays to Sign Wander Franco to Massive, Multi-Year Deal

The Rays are paying up to keep Wander Franco with the franchise through the 2020s.

The Rays are set to sign shortstop Wander Franco to a contract extension of greater than 10 years, per multiple reports. 

Franco will receive a guaranteed 11 years and $182 million, according the Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. There is a club option for the final year, and Franco will reportedly receive contract escalators "based on MVP finishes."

The Rays have not announced a new contract for Franco as of Tuesday afternoon. 

Franco, 20, made his MLB debut in 2021 after being widely regarded as the top prospect in baseball. The switch-hitting shortstop posted an .810 OPS in 70 games this season, adding seven homers and 53 runs. Franco notched two home runs in four postseason games as the Rays lost to the Red Sox in the ALDS. 

Tuesday's deal does not include a no-trade clause, per ESPN's Jeff Passan. 

Wander Franco does not have a no-trade clause in his mega-deal with Tampa Bay. There is a $3M assignment bonus if he gets dealt. And if he remains with the Rays through 2031, he’ll get 10-and-5 rights that allow him to block any trade.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 23, 2021

Shortstop Wander Franco and the Tampa Bay Rays are in agreement on a 12-year contract that guarantees him around $185 million, sources tell ESPN. The deal is worth a maximum of $223 million. It is done, pending small details. The 20-year-old is going to be a Ray for a long time.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 23, 2021

Tampa won its second straight AL East title in 2021 as it finished 100–62. The Rays reached the World Series in 2020 before losing to the Dodgers.