Christian
Franklin

2021 MLB Draft: Franklin is an athletic, 5-foot-11, 190-pounder with speed as his top tool. He's able to put it to use on offense as he projects to become a near-average hitter with near-average power. While he'll need to refine some defensive instincts, he has plus range in center field with fringe arm strength and an unorthodox throwing motion. After cutting down on his swing/miss and strikeout rate during the shortened 2020 season, the 28% K rate (78 strikeouts in 274 plate appearances) from his freshman season returned in 2021, albeit with much more power production to all fields. Franklin finished the 2021 season with a .274/.420/.544 slash with 13 home runs and 11 stolen bases.

The athletic 5-foot-11, 190-pound center fielder for the Razorbacks got off to a slow start at the plate with four strikeouts during Saturday’s opener, but finished that ballgame on a good note by pounding the last pitch he saw deep to center field for a long fly out. He took that momentum into Sunday’s contest against Texas with better at-bats, drawing a walk and singling through the left side to finish with a 1-for-3 evening at the plate. Franklin then supplied the highlight of his weekend by smoking a game-tying triple in the eighth inning of the Razorbacks come-from-behind victory over the Horned Frogs on Monday. Like any positional prospect, the ability to hit is first and foremost, and Franklin does project to become an average hitter with average power. He also checks all of the other boxes with a near average arm (although a very funky, non natural throwing motion limits the upside/impact), plus run speed and plus range and solid defense in the big field, outside of allowing the trail runner to advance via a misdirected throw on at least one occasion this weekend. It’s a long season and a slow start offensively does not mean much in the overall big picture. Known for his friendly personality and top-notch makeup, Franklin does not look to have a major impact Big League profile (OFP = 60+), but he is a prospect that can be projected to have everyday value. And is also one that will continue to attract consideration by scouts for the top 3-4 rounds this July.

Franklin was on the prospect map as a prep with a strong showing at the 2018 Super 60, running a 6.50 laser-timed sixty to highlight his day. Three years later he is considered a potential Day One pick. A compact 5-foot-11, 185-pound athlete, Franklin stands out for his plus raw power, which plays well to the opposite field. He’s also a plus runner with plus arm strength, and he’s worked to improve his throwing accuracy and fine-tune his base stealing skills. He also made big strides with his plate discipline after posting a 24-66 BB-K mark as a freshman; he drew 10 walks against 14 strikeouts as a sophomore. A quality defender in center field, Franklin’s five-tool ability makes him one of the most well-rounded players in the 2021 draft class.

Stands at 5-foot-11, 165 pounds and is committed to Arkansas. He has excellent speed, turning in a 6.56-second 60, that helps him track balls down in the outfield and put pressure on the opposing defense. He has a gap-to-gap approach with some pop to his pull side.

10/9/16 - Wasted little time getting his day off to a good start by smashing a single to lead off the game for the Royals Scout Team.  The junior would add another hit later in the game, and showcased quickness on the basepaths.

8/11/16 - Was 1-for-2 with two runs scored and a stolen base. He blooped a single into right field in his second at-bat and went first to third on an errant pickoff attempt. Another time he was on base, a batter tapped one back to the pitcher, who checked Franklin back to second. As soon as he turned to throw, Franklin took for third and slid in safely. He has very good speed and uses it well.

4/14/16 - Led the game off with a triple on the second pitch rounding first base in 4.4 seconds. He walked in his second at-bat and tripled again in his third. He came up for his fourth at-bat in the bottom of the sixth with two outs and the tying run on third. He grounded a ball to second base, but used his speed to put pressure on the defense and reached when the second baseman made an error, plating the tying run. Franklin, an Arkansas recruit, has an athletic frame with strength. At the plate, he has a short, quick swing with good rhythm and balance. He didn’t get much his way in the game, but clearly has the speed to cover ground in center field.

11/1/15 - Franklin is a 5-foot-11 165-pound right-handed hitting outfielder in Missouri’s 2018 class.  Committed to Arkansas shortly after event, posted event high 84 mph velo from the outfield and ran a 6.56 60, another event best, ran a 4.26 home-to-first. Franklin was also among the top in RHH exit velo at 89 mph.  At the plate, Franklin showed a gap-to-gap approach with power to pull side, smooth rhythm, quick bat speed, solid consistent contact to both fields.  In the outfield, quick to the ball, athletic footwork, clean exchange, over the top release, quick and clean arm action with momentum towards target. Singled to right in game action.  In all, quick twitch athlete with room to add strength on athletic frame.