The Pirates have released utilityman Nick Franklin, according to John Dreker of PiratesProspects.com. Franklin had been with the organization since signing a minor league deal in February.
The 28-year-old Franklin endured an injury-limited stint as a member of the Pirates, with whom he opened the season on the minor league IL because of hamstring tightness. When healthy, Franklin totaled 152 plate appearances in the minors with the Pirates this year. He managed a mere .193/.289/.316 line in 136 attempts with Triple-A Indianapolis before the organization cut him.
The 27th overall pick of the Mariners in 2009 and once a high-end prospect, Franklin will now have to look for another employer once again. The switch hitter hasn’t seen much major league action since 2017, and has only combined to hit .214/.285/359 (78 wRC+) in 923 PA with the Mariners, Rays, Angels and Brewers. Franklin has slashed a much better .261/.347/.419 in 1,559 tries in Triple-A ball.
JayRyder
Giants.
antibelt
Possible. But with Solano doing well, and Avelino already in minors, they don’t need another utility type.
Metsfan9
Some team could use him on the bench. Sure he can’t hit a lick but he’s versatile and has some power
stubby66
OMG please please Brewers do NOT pick him up again .
brewfan27
amen. he’s ass
oldleftylong
How many deadline trades included Nick Franklin, eh? Never made it, eh?
PiratesFan1981
He could end up in Miami or KC when KC starts trading players.
clemente3000
Who needs a guy below the Mendoza Line?
Mendoza Line 215
I take exception to that statement.
Jon Matlack.
HarveyD82
I had no idea he was with the pirates
Monkey’s Uncle
There wasn’t any reason to be aware of it. Judging by his AAA stats, I’m not even sure that Franklin was aware he was with the Pirates.
jorge78
He was trying to keep out of sight as much as possible judging by his stats with the Pirates AAA team…..
panj341
Another 1st round pick that never made it. At least the Pirates were not the ones who drafted him.