ST. PETERSBURG -- Landing a big fish in a small pond can be a risky proposition for any team. Austin Franklin, a right-hander who hails from a small school in the Florida panhandle, proved to be too enticing for the Rays to pass up.
Franklin became the Rays' third-round selection (90th overall) on Friday, the second day of the 2016 Draft. And he has already agreed to sign with the organization.
"They came in the third round and made a very strong offer; I couldn't be happier to be a Tampa Bay Ray right now," said Franklin in a phone interview.