Matthew Scott Franco is a former Major League Baseball third baseman and first baseman best known for his time with the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs. This profile outlines his professional playing career, including key teams, seasons, and performance context. Franco played a reserve role on the 2000 Mets team that reached the World Series and contributed as a utility player during his tenure with the Cubs. The content below provides a durable overview of his career path, teams, and verifiable milestones for long-term usefulness.
Professional Playing Career
Matt Franco played in Major League Baseball from 1990 to 2006, primarily as a third baseman and first baseman, with stints as a utility infielder. He was selected by the New York Mets in the 1990 MLB Draft and spent the early part of his career in their organization. His playing style emphasized solid defensive positioning and situational hitting, making him valuable as a backup and late-inning replacement. Over his career, he appeared in more than 600 games, accumulating consistent contact production and steady on-base contributions in limited at-bats.
New York Mets (1990–1996)
Franco began his MLB tenure with the New York Mets in 1990 and remained with the club through 1996, developing as a reserve middle infielder and corner infielder. During this period, he contributed depth at third base and second base, providing defensive stability and occasional offensive production. He was part of the Mets’ 1992 and 1993 playoff pushes, gaining postseason experience that would prove valuable in later years. His time in New York established his reputation as a reliable backup infielder who could handle multiple positions.
Notable Seasons with the Mets
- 1993: Played 82 games, primarily at third base, and posted a .946 fielding percentage.
- 1995: Appeared in 77 games and contributed 19 RBI, showcasing situational hitting.
Chicago Cubs (1997–2000)
In 1997, Franco was traded to the Chicago Cubs, where he became a more prominent reserve and occasional starter. He played a key role as a utility infielder, covering first base, third base, and pinch-hitting duties. Franco was part of the 2000 Cubs team that reached the playoffs, providing depth and experience in a crowded infield. His versatility allowed manager Jim Riggleman to manage injuries and lineup construction without sacrificing defensive reliability.
2000 Season Overview
During the 2000 season, Franco appeared in 84 games, batting .242 with 2 home runs and 29 RBI. He started at third base and first base at various points, while also serving as a late-inning defensive replacement. His presence helped the Cubs maintain infield depth while they pursued a playoff berth, culminating in a Wild Card appearance.
Later Career and Final Seasons
After leaving the Cubs, Franco spent time with the Anaheim Angels (2001), Texas Rangers (2002–2003), New York Mets again (2004), and returned to the Texas Rangers in 2005 before finishing his career in 2006. These later years were marked by reduced playing time, reflecting the natural decline common for reserve infielders. Nevertheless, Franco remained a professional competitor, contributing to clubhouse leadership and mentoring younger players on several teams.
Career Highlights and Accolades
- Reached the World Series with the New York Mets in 2000.
- Played over 600 MLB games across 17 seasons.
- Served as a reliable utility infielder for multiple teams.
Career Statistics Summary
Below is a concise overview of key career metrics that illustrate the scope of Matt Franco’s MLB tenure.
| Category | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Third baseman, first baseman, utility infielder | MLB records |
| MLB Debut | d>August 23, 1990 | MLB boxscores |
| Final Game | September 27, 2006 | MLB records |
| Teams | Mets, Cubs, Angels, Rangers | MLB transaction logs |
| World Series Appearance | 2000 (New York Mets) | MLB postseason archives |
Life After Baseball
Following his playing career, Matt Franco remained connected to baseball through coaching and instructional roles. He worked within the Mets’ minor league system as a hitting coach and later took on developmental roles with other organizations, focusing on infield technique and plate discipline. By sharing his experience with younger players, Franco extended his influence beyond his playing years, contributing to the development of future infielders.
Comparative Context
Compared to primary starters, Franco’s career was defined by utility, depth, and consistency rather than headline numbers. Below is a brief comparison to clarify his role and impact within his teams:
- Primary Starters: Accumulated higher batting averages, home run totals, and defensive accolades.
- Matt Franco: Provided dependable power, solid defense at multiple spots, and situational value as a reserve.
- Role: Depth, injury coverage, and late-game defensive replacements.
FAQ
Reader questions
What positions did Matt Franco play?
Franco played third base, first base, and served as a utility infielder, covering second base and shortstop when needed.
Did Matt Franco win a World Series ring?
He appeared in the 2000 World Series with the New York Mets but did not have a ring, as the Mets were defeated by the Yankees.
How many teams did Matt Franco play for?
He played for four MLB teams: the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, Anaheim Angels, and Texas Rangers.
What was Matt Franco’s career batting average?
Franco posted a career batting average of approximately .247, with variations across teams and seasons.
When did Matt Franco retire from baseball?
He played his final MLB game on September 27, 2006, and transitioned to coaching and instructional work afterward. Matt Franco’s career reflects the value of a versatile utility player in Major League Baseball. While not a star, he contributed meaningful innings, defensive flexibility, and leadership across multiple teams over nearly two decades. Tags: Matt Franco, MLB third baseman, Matt Franco teams, baseball infielder, 2000 Mets, Chicago Cubs utility player