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Nationals' Christian Franklin: Falls short of Opening Day roster
Rotowire
The Nationals optioned Franklin to Triple-A Rochester on Monday.
Franklin has yet to make his MLB debut, but he appeared to have a decent shot at being included on the Nationals' Opening Day roster after Washington had optioned fellow outfielders Robert Hassell and Dylan Crews to the minors in recent days. Ultimately, Franklin will wind up joining Hassell and Crews in Rochester, where all three should get the chance to play on a near-everyday basis. Franklin spent the entire 2025 season at the Triple-A level, slashing .272/.390/.427 with 12 home runs and 19 stolen bases in 117 games between the Cubs' and Nationals' top affiliates.
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Nationals' Christian Franklin: Shot at Opening Day roster
Rotowire
Franklin is still in the running for a spot on the 26-man roster with Dylan Crews and Robert Hassell both set to begin the season at Triple-A Rochester, Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic reports.
The 26-year-old outfielder was added to the 40-man roster this offseason after being acquired from the Cubs in the Michael Soroka trade, and Franklin could make the jump to the big leagues after slashing a combined .266/.383/.418 over 117 Triple-A games last season between Iowa and Rochester with 12 homers and 19 steals. He hasn't shown much this spring at the plate, however, batting .233 (7-for-30) with zero extra-base hits and a 1:11 BB:K. Franklin is capable of playing all three outfield positions, and that versatility could earn him the final spot on the Nationals' bench.
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Nationals' Christian Franklin: Joins 40-man roster
Rotowire
The Nationals selected Franklin's contract from Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old was acquired from the Cubs in the Michael Soroka trade over the summer, so it's no surprise the Nationals are protecting him from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. Franklin spent the year at the Triple-A level between the two organizations and posted an .817 OPS with 12 homers and 19 steals in 117 games.
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Nationals' Christian Franklin: Shipped to D.C.
Rotowire
The Cubs traded Franklin to the Nationals on Wednesday alongside Ronny Cruz in exchange for Michael Soroka, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.
Franklin has spent the entire season with the Cubs' Triple-A affiliate, slashing .257/.383/.415 with eight homers, 40 RBI, 60 runs scored and 11 steals through 86 games. The 25-year-old will likely report to Triple-A Rochester upon joining the Nationals organization and could be a candidate to join the big club once rosters expand in September.
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Cubs' Christian Franklin: Makes cameo in spring game
Rotowire
Franklin (knee) struck out in his lone plate appearance and logged three innings in right field in his lone Cactus League game to date in a March 16 loss to the Diamondbacks.
A 23-year-old outfielder who hasn't played above the Single-A level, Franklin isn't in consideration for a spot on the Cubs' Opening Day roster, but his appearance in Cactus League play at least confirms that he's healthy again after missing the entire 2022 season due to a torn patellar tendon in his left knee. Franklin will likely open the 2023 campaign at Single-A Myrtle Beach or High-A South Bend.
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Cubs' Christian Franklin: Out for season with knee injury
Rotowire
Franklin will miss the 2022 season after suffering a torn patellar tendon in his left knee, Jim Callis of MLB.com reports.
The 22-year-old outfielder hit .237/.426/.316 with one home run and four steals in 24 games across rookie ball and Low-A after getting drafted in the fourth round last year.
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