Rays Above Replacement Prospect Weekly: Franco Finds His Groove, Johnson's Command Impresses
By Grace Turner ·
Rays Above Replacement Prospect Weekly covers the last 7 days of action for the Rays farm system.
Franco Finds His Groove in Montgomery
Wander Franco (AA, SS, Rank: 2) showcased his offensive prowess this week, going 8-for-18 with two homers, a double, and six RBIs for the Montgomery Biscuits. This performance aligns with his high-contact bat and 60 hit tool, suggesting he's finding his rhythm at Double-A. Over the last 30 days, Franco is slashing .345/.420/.621, an indication that his offensive skills are starting to fully translate at this level. With 15 home runs on the season and an impressive 11.2% walk rate, Franco's ability to get on base and hit for power continues to make him one of the Rays' most exciting prospects.
The scouting report on Franco highlights a well-rounded player with above-average speed and defensive skills, combined with the potential to hit for both average and power. His recent performance suggests that he is living up to those expectations, and his development at Double-A could fast-track him to Triple-A, setting him up for a potential MLB debut in the near future.
Johnson's Command Steals the Show
JJ Johnson (AAA, RHP, Rank: 5) delivered a masterclass in command this week, striking out 10 over six innings without allowing a walk for the Durham Bulls. Johnson's control of the strike zone was impeccable, and he allowed just two hits and one unearned run in his outing. His recent form has been stellar, with a 2.70 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP over his last 30 days, reinforcing his status as a pitcher with a 60-grade command tool.
Johnson's profile is built around his ability to locate pitches with precision, and this week's performance is a testament to his growth in this area. His fastball sits in the low-to-mid 90s, complemented by an effective curveball and a developing changeup, giving him a well-rounded arsenal. With his command continuing to shine, Johnson remains a promising candidate for a future role in the Rays' rotation.
Quick Hits
- Alex Cook, RHP, Rays (AAA, Durham) · #596 · Cook was optioned to Triple-A Durham on September 23 after his stint in the MLB bullpen. At Durham this season, he's posted a 4.53 ERA over 43.2 innings with 48 strikeouts. His ability to serve as a reliable multi-inning reliever continues to develop.
- Blake Hunt, C · went 2-for-14 with one RBI and four strikeouts this week at Durham. This week brings his season line to .240/.320/.408 with 14 home runs in 460 plate appearances. Hunt's defense remains solid, but the bat will need to rebound to maintain his trajectory as a potential backstop option for the Rays.