Wander Franco makes barehand over-the-shoulder catch

ST. PETERSBURG — Wander Franco didn’t require his glove to manage among the early prospects for catch of the year in the Rays’ 8-3 win over the Astros at Tropicana Field on Monday night.

Leading off the 5th inning versus Rays novice starter Taj Bradley, Astros catcher Martín Maldonado lofted a fly ball into nasty area down the left-field line. Franco rushed from his position at shortstop towards the visitors’ bullpen, running to cover 96 feet.

With his back to the infield and the ball falling towards the grass, Franco left his feet and extended both arms towards the nasty line. The ball didn’t land in Franco’s glove, however in his bare right-hand man.

Tampa Bay’s 22-year-old phenom raised the ball in the air as he struck the ground and spun around, smiling from ear to ear after his newest must-see emphasize.