Franco, Ryan among Rays 2019 minor league honorees

Adam SanfordMonday, the Rays announced their minor league awards, naming shortstop Wander Franco as the Player of the Year and righty Joe Ryan as the Pitcher of the Year. The team also honored an MVP for each affiliate, the best baserunner in the organization, the best reliever, the best defensive player, and recognized one player for exemplary community involvement.

Franco entered the season as one of the most-hyped prospects in team history, and he met expectations. He finished the season as the consensus No. 1 prospect in baseball after batting .327/.398/.487 for Class-A Bowling Green and Class A-Advanced Charlotte. He was named a postseason All-Star for both the Midwest League and…