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Rays Wander Franco batting leadoff, playing short and at the center of attention at Futures Game

Franco has risen fast to become game’s top prospect at 18, now aiming for a 2020 major-league debut.

Rays prospect Wander Franco interviewed Sunday by ESPN's Marly Rivera for an upcoming national feature. [MARC TOPKIN | Times]

Rays prospect Wander Franco interviewed Sunday by ESPN's Marly Rivera for an upcoming national feature. [MARC TOPKIN | Times]

CLEVELAND – Wander Franco knew getting selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game was the latest acknowledgement of his accomplishments on a planned express path to the major-league stardom.

The Rays 18-year-old shortstop, the consensus No.