Patriots Bring Back All-Star INF/OF Mike Fransoso

​Bridgewater, NJ- The Somerset Patriots announced today the re-signing of 2018 Atlantic League All-Star infielder/outfielder Mike Fransoso for the 2019 season.

“I’m excited to get back to work and see all the guys again,” said Fransoso. “Last year didn’t end the way we wanted. I’m ready to do what I can to help us win a championship this season.” 

Fransoso enters his second season with the Somerset Patriots and second in the Atlantic League. The utilityman slashed .267 with two home runs, 46 RBI and 24 stolen bases over 120 games in his first campaign with Somerset last year. He finished the season seventh in the league in walks (62), tied for seventh in games, 10th in steals and 13th in on-base percentage (.371). Fransoso also led the Patriots in walks and triples (6), ranked second in games, at-bats (393) and runs (61) while finishing third in hits (105).

The Portsmouth, New Hampshire native got off to a blistering start to begin his Somerset tenure. Fransoso led the league in on-base percentage (.495) and ranked second in the league in batting (.383) through the Patriots’ first 30 games of the season. He finished the first half third in the league in OBP (.413) and sixth in average (.312). “Soso” was promptly selected to the Atlantic League All-Star Game, where he went 2-for-4 with a run scored and a RBI.

Fransoso’s biggest contribution to the team was possibly his defense and his versatility. A natural middle infielder, the UMaine product made starts at every position in the field for the Patriots aside from catcher and right field. The majority of his playing time came in the outfield, split between left field (33 starts) and center field (30 starts), but he also made appearances at first base (three starts), second base (26 starts), third base (19 starts) and shortstop (three starts).

“It is extremely valuable to have players with versatility on our team, and Fransoso is the ultimate in that department,” said Somerset Patriots manager Brett Jodie. “He can truly play every position on the field. But where Mike really separates himself from others is that he is very skilled and talented at all of his positions. We have the utmost faith in Mike being one of, if not the best defender at whatever position he is playing. He is also a tough, hard-nosed player who grinds for each and every inch to help the team win. It is a pleasure to have such a competitor join our team again in our quest for a title.”

The former Pittsburgh Pirates draft pick spent the two seasons prior to Somerset with the Rockland Boulders (Can-Am League). There, he finished second on the team in batting in 2016 with a .291 average along with six home runs, 43 RBI and a .395 on-base percentage (OBP) over 86 games. Fransoso then followed up with a strong 2017 campaign in which he hit .272 with four home runs, 38 RBI and a career-high .406 OBP.

Fransoso also ranked among league leaders in steals over the last two seasons. He finished 2016 with 21 stolen bases – eighth-most in the Can-Am League – and a career-high 30 stolen bases in 2017: third-most in the league. He hit .282 with 10 home runs, 81 RBI, 51 stolen bases and a .400 OBP over 174 games in his two seasons in Rockland.

The 28 year-old spent the first three years of his professional career in the Pirates organization, splitting time between Low-A Jamestown, Single-A West Virginia and High-A Bradenton.

Fransoso has played every position defensively aside from catcher and owns a .264 batting average with 21 home runs, 194 RBI and 104 stolen bases over his six-year professional career.

The Somerset Patriots will be back in action on Friday, April 26th for Opening Day at TD Bank Ballpark. Stay up to date on all the team news throughout the offseason online; on all of our social media platforms, and on our mobile app. For more information, visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 40 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 70 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB.  The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment.

For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.