Brief Introduction of Jesse Franklin
Jesse Owen Franklin V is an American professional baseball outfielder who is currently a free agent. Known for his powerful left-handed swing and athletic abilities in the outfield, Franklin rose to prominence as a standout player for the University of Michigan, where he helped lead the Wolverines to the College World Series finals. His potential was recognized when he was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the third round of the 2020 Major League Baseball draft. Throughout his amateur and professional career, Franklin has been noted for his combination of power and speed, though his journey has also been marked by significant injuries. A native of Seattle, Washington, he has consistently been regarded as a promising talent in the world of baseball.

Jesse Franklin Overview
| Full Name | Jesse Owen Franklin V |
| Date of Birth | December 1, 1998 |
| Age | 27 |
| Birthplace | Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Outfielder |
| Famous For | Being a third-round MLB draft pick and his standout collegiate career at the University of Michigan. |
| Education | Seattle Preparatory School, University of Michigan |
| Marital Status | Information not publicly available |
| Spouse / Partner | Information not publicly available |
| Children | Information not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Information not disclosed |
Early Life and Education of Jesse Franklin
Jesse Owen Franklin V was born on December 1, 1998, in Seattle, Washington. He attended Seattle Preparatory School, where he was a multi-sport athlete, also participating in basketball and football. However, he truly excelled on the baseball diamond. During his sophomore year in 2015, Franklin posted an impressive .532 batting average. His talent continued to flourish, and by his senior year in 2017, he was a dominant force, batting an astounding .571 with four home runs. This exceptional performance earned him the prestigious title of Washington’s Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year. His outstanding high school career attracted the attention of professional scouts, and he was selected by his hometown Seattle Mariners in the 37th round of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft. Despite the honor, Franklin opted to pursue higher education and further develop his skills at the collegiate level, choosing to enroll at the University of Michigan.
Jesse Franklin Career
Early Career
Franklin made an immediate impact upon arriving at the University of Michigan. In his freshman year in 2018, he played in 47 games, hitting .327 with ten home runs and 47 runs batted in (RBIs). His performance garnered significant recognition, as he was named Big Ten Player of the Week once and Freshman of the Week three times during the season. Following his stellar freshman campaign, he played summer collegiate baseball in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League for the Brewster Whitecaps. As a sophomore in 2019, Franklin continued to be a key player for the Wolverines. He started and played in 68 games, hitting .262 with an increased home run total of 13 and 55 RBIs. That season, he helped lead Michigan to the finals of the College World Series, a remarkable achievement that further elevated his profile. He returned to the Brewster Whitecaps for a second summer. Unfortunately, his junior season in 2020 was cut short before it even began due to a broken collarbone he sustained in a skiing accident. The subsequent cancellation of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic meant he did not play for Michigan that year.
Breakthrough
Despite not playing during his junior year, Jesse Franklin’s talent and previous accomplishments were enough to make him a coveted prospect in the 2020 Major League Baseball draft. The Atlanta Braves selected him in the third round with the 97th overall pick. This was a significant moment, marking his official transition to professional baseball. He signed with the Braves for a bonus of $497,500. Due to the cancellation of the minor league season in 2020 because of the pandemic, his professional debut was delayed until 2021. When he finally took the field, he did so with the Rome Braves, the High-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Franklin’s debut season was a resounding success and served as his professional breakthrough. He showcased the power that made him a high draft pick, hitting 24 home runs, driving in 61 runs, and stealing 19 bases over 101 games. His 24 homers were the most among all Atlanta Braves minor leaguers and tied for the league lead, firmly establishing him as a top power-hitting prospect in the organization.
Major Achievements and Success
Throughout his amateur and professional career, Franklin has compiled a list of notable achievements. In high school, he was named the 2017 Washington Gatorade Player of the Year. At the University of Michigan, his freshman season was decorated with multiple awards, including being a unanimous All-Big Ten Freshman Team selection and earning Freshman All-America honors from several publications like Baseball America, D1Baseball, and Perfect Game. In his sophomore year, he was named to the NCAA College World Series All-Tournament Team and was an All-Big Ten Third Team selection. His professional career started strong, leading the Braves minor league system with 24 home runs in 2021. This performance earned him a spot as a MiLB.com Organization All-Star in both 2021 and 2023. He was also consistently ranked among the top prospects in the Atlanta Braves organization by publications like Baseball America and MLB Pipeline.
Recent Work / Current Status
Following his impressive 2021 debut, Franklin was promoted to the Double-A Mississippi Braves to start the 2022 season. However, his career has since been significantly hampered by injuries. After just 15 games in 2022, he required Tommy John surgery on his elbow, which ended his season prematurely. He returned to the field in 2023 with Mississippi, playing in 94 games and hitting .232 with 15 home runs and 46 RBIs. Unfortunately, injury troubles persisted, as shoulder tendinitis caused him to miss the entire 2024 season. In a significant career update, on January 29, 2025, the Atlanta Braves organization released Franklin, making him a free agent.
Jesse Franklin Awards and Achievements
- Washington Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year (2017)
- Collegiate Baseball News Freshman All-America selection (2018)
- Unanimous All-Big Ten Freshman Team Selection (2018)
- Baseball America, D1Baseball, Perfect Game Freshman All-America second team selection (2018)
- NCAA College World Series All-Tournament Team (2019)
- All-Big Ten Third Team selection (2019)
- MiLB.com Organization All-Star (2021, 2023)
Jesse Franklin Personal Life & Family
Details regarding Jesse Franklin’s family and personal life, including his parents and any siblings, are not widely publicized. He was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, which played a significant role in his early baseball development. While at the University of Michigan, he was enrolled in the College of Literature, Science and the Arts, majoring in Political Science. His personal interests and lifestyle outside of his baseball career are kept private.
Jesse Franklin Relationship Details
Information regarding Jesse Franklin’s romantic relationships, including any girlfriend (GF) or wife, is not publicly available. He has not disclosed details about his personal life, and his focus appears to have been on his collegiate and professional baseball career.
Jesse Franklin Net Worth and Income
The specific net worth of Jesse Franklin is not publicly available. As a professional baseball player, his primary income has come from his signing bonus and minor league salary. Upon being drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 2020, he received a signing bonus of $497,500. His earnings in the minor leagues would have been based on the standard pay scale for players at the High-A and Double-A levels. Information about endorsements or other business ventures has not been disclosed.
Jesse Franklin Physical Appearance
- Height: 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm)
- Weight: 215 lbs (97 kg)
- Eye Color: Information not publicly available
- Hair Color: Information not publicly available
Jesse Franklin Controversies
No major controversies involving Jesse Franklin have been reported. His public image has been that of a dedicated athlete focused on his baseball career. The primary challenges he has faced have been related to the series of injuries that have impacted his professional progression.
Jesse Franklin Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Not publicly available
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Interesting Facts about Jesse Franklin
- He was a multi-sport athlete in high school, also playing football and basketball.
- He was drafted twice: first by his hometown Seattle Mariners out of high school in 2017, and then by the Atlanta Braves out of college in 2020.
- His junior season at the University of Michigan in 2020 was derailed by a broken collarbone suffered in a skiing accident.
- In his first full professional season in 2021, he led the entire Atlanta Braves minor league system in home runs.
Jesse Franklin Legacy and Influence
Jesse Franklin’s legacy is still being written, but his career thus far highlights the immense potential and the significant challenges faced by professional athletes. At the University of Michigan, he was a key component of a team that reached the pinnacle of college baseball, leaving a lasting mark on the program with his power hitting and clutch performances. His immediate success in the minor leagues showcased his potential to be an impact player at the highest level. However, his story has also become one of perseverance in the face of adversity. The series of major injuries he has endured has tested his resilience and unfortunately stalled a promising trajectory. For aspiring players, his journey serves as a powerful reminder of both the skill required to reach the professional ranks and the physical toll the game can take. His influence is seen in the high regard scouts and team officials held for his “toolsy” skill set—a desirable combination of power, speed, and athleticism.
Final Words about Jesse Franklin
Jesse Franklin’s baseball journey is a compelling narrative of high achievement and significant setbacks. From being the top high school player in his state to a collegiate star at Michigan and a highly-touted professional prospect, he has consistently demonstrated elite talent. His powerful swing and athletic ability made him a standout player, and his 2021 professional debut with the Rome Braves seemed to be the start of a rapid ascent through the Atlanta Braves’ system. Unfortunately, a series of significant injuries, including Tommy John surgery and shoulder tendinitis, have posed major obstacles to his career. Now a free agent, Franklin’s future in professional baseball hinges on his ability to return to full health and rediscover the form that made him such a promising player. His career is a testament to the fragile nature of athletic success and the incredible determination required to overcome physical adversity.
