The Future Franchise Players for All 30 MLB Teams

With each MLB team, there have been signature stars who were considered the “face of the franchise.” Players such as Ernie Banks with the Chicago Cubs, Willie Mays with the San Francisco Giants and most recently, Derek Jeter with the New York Yankees.

As these particular players get older and their stars start to extinguish, a new face appears, and ultimately takes over as that particular team’s next face of the franchise.

So, who will be the future franchise players for each MLB team?

Bleacher Report will take a look.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Justin Upton

For several years back in their heyday, the Arizona Diamondbacks relied on starting pitcher Randy Johnson to be the star of the team and lead them to the promised land.

This season, a new star has emerged in the form of right fielder Justin Upton. In 126 games thus far, Upton has clearly established himself as the star of the D-Backs, with a .299 batting average, 25 HR, 77 RBI and National League-leading 35 doubles.

At just 23 years of age, Upton figures to lead the Diamondbacks well into the future.

Atlanta Braves: Freddie Freeman

At the tender age of 21, Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman has already made an impression on fans in Atlanta. Through the first 125 games of the season, Freeman is hitting .293 with 18 HR and 63 RBI, and appears locked in a battle for NL Rookie of the Year honors with fellow teammate Craig Kimbrel.

As Chipper Jones winds down his phenomenal career with the Braves, Freeman appears to be the man to take on the task of the future face of the Braves’ franchise, and together with Kimbrel, Jason Heyward, Brian McCann, Jonny Venters and Brandon Beachy, the future looks bright in Atlanta.

Baltimore Orioles: Adam Jones

In a season that has rapidly gone downhill, the Baltimore Orioles don’t have a whole lot to look forward to for at least the rest of this season. However, one man keeps making an impression and continues to show off his amazing skills offensively and defensively—center fielder Adam Jones.

Jones, hitting .297 on the season with 22 HR and 77 RBI, has literally created his own highlight reel on both ESPN and MLB Network, with a dizzying display of acrobatic catches throughout the year.

For Orioles fans looking for the first face of the franchise since Cal Ripken Jr. retired, look no further than Adam Jones.

Boston Red Sox: Adrian Gonzalez

When Boston Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez left the cavernous confines of Petco Park in San Diego, experts and fans alike wondered how Gonzalez’ offensive skills would play out, considering half of his games would now be at hitter-friendly Fenway Park.

What fans have seen in Gonzalez’ first season in Boston has been nothing short of MVP-worthy. Gonzalez leads the AL in hitting with a .343 average, along with 18 HR, 93 RBI, 174 hits, which also leads the AL, and a .940 OPS.

And to think, Sox fans will see this type of production from A-Gone for at least the next seven years.

Chicago Cubs: Starlin Castro

With the Chicago Cubs being in the news recently with the firing of their general manager Jim Hendry, much attention has been placed on the current roster that features several players with bloated contracts who have not performed up to expectations.

However, there are two young and emerging stars that Cubs fans can look forward to seeing for the next several years—leading that list is shortstop Starlin Castro.

Castro has followed up an outstanding rookie season with a pretty good sophomore campaign as well—now hitting .308 with seven HR, 56 RBI, 28 doubles and a National League-leading 168 hits.

While Castro was recently benched one game by manager Mike Quade for what appeared to be a lack of attentiveness during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Castro definitely appears to be headed in the right direction in terms of star power in Chicago.

Chicago White Sox: Paul Konerko

Is there really any reason to think that first baseman Paul Konerko can’t continue to be the face of the franchise for the Chicago White Sox? Judging by the numbers Konerko continues to put up, no reason to think otherwise.

Konerko continues to be the driving force on offense for the White Sox. While the additions of Adam Dunn and Alex Rios were expected to help Konerko see better pitches, that has not materialized. Dunn is still hovering around the .170 mark and Rios is still struggling at .214 with just eight home runs.

Still, Konerko continues marching on offensively, with 28 HR, 85 RBI and a career-high .317 average. At 34 years of age, Konerko continues to be the face of the franchise.

Cincinnati Reds: Joey Votto

Coming off last year’s MVP season, Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto signed a three-year contract extension worth $38 million, and while his production has dipped just slightly from last year’s numbers, Votto is still the driving force for the Reds.

At just 27 years of age, Votto will only be 30 years old by the time his current contract expires, and considering the offensive production he has provided for the Reds, fans can only hope that management sees fit to keep Votto, the face of the franchise, in a Reds uniform for many more years to come.

Cleveland Indians: Asdrubal Cabrera

The surprising Cleveland Indians are still within striking distance of the Detroit Tigers in the American League Central division, and despite falling back to .500 after their first two months of the season during which they were the hottest team in the league, the Indians’ future is bright, and will no doubt be led by several promising youngsters, including emerging star Asdrubal Cabrera.

Taking a major step forward offensively this season, the 25-year-old shortstop is hitting .288 with 20 HR and 74 RBI and continues to impress defensively with his range and agility. Cabrera will lead a team that will also feature Lonnie Chisenhall, Jason Kipnis, Carlos Santana and Ubaldo Jimenez well into the next decade.

Colorado Rockies: Troy Tulowitzki

This was a tough call—Todd Helton has clearly been the face of the Colorado Rockies franchise for the past decade, and has served the Rockies with class and distinction. However, as Helton approaches retirement sometime in the next couple of seasons, two other players are clearly poised to take over that role—Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki.

While Gonzalez put up ridiculous numbers last season, he has come back down to earth somewhat in 2011, with 22 HR, 79 RBI and a .288 average. Tulowitizki continues to put up consistent offensive production, with 25 HR and 86 RBI along with a .303 average. Tulo could very well be the best shortstop in the National League for many years to come.

Detroit Tigers: Justin Verlander

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander is poised to become the first 20-game winner in the majors, winning his 19^th game on Monday night. It will be the first 20-win season for Verlander, who has already posted a 19-win season along with two 18-win campaigns.

At 28 years of age, Verlander is clearly one of the elite right-handed pitchers in the majors, and before all is said and done, could very well become the best pitcher in the history of the Tigers.

Florida Marlins: Mike Stanton

Is there really any question that right-fielder and emerging slugger Mike Stanton is the future offensive go-to guy for the Florida Marlins?

Stanton has already put up 30 home runs in 122 games after hitting 22 bombs in 100 games last season. Many of Stanton’s blast have been of the tape-measure, with even opposing players holding their mouths open in awe at Stanton’s prodigious blasts.

Oh, and lest we forget—Stanton is still only 21 years of age.

Houston Astros: Jim Crane

The future in Houston looks… Well, there will be a future in Houston, that we do know.

Whenever MLB commissioner Bud Selig and the rest of the owners get around to it, it appears that Jim Crane will take over ownership of the Astros, and for now, he essentially becomes the face of the franchise.

Crane will look to put his stamp on the team, first by choosing his management staff, and then by directives that will essentially change the makeup of the team itself.

Sorry, but if I could honestly pick a player to be that one special athlete that the team will build around, I would do so—but they already traded both of them away (Hunter Pence, Michael Bourn).

Kansas City Royals: Eric Hosmer

In just under 100 games in his MLB career, Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer has already endeared himself to local fans with his exuberance and style of play.

Hitting .268 with 10 HR and 53 RBI in his rookie campaign, the 21-year-old figures to be a fixture in the Royals infield along with Mike Moustakas, as the Royals continue to develop outstanding talent.

Los Angeles Angels: Jered Weaver

With the signing of his five-year, $85 million contract, Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver clearly left money on the table—opting instead to stay with the team that has stuck by him for the past six years.

Weaver let everyone know during his press conference that loyalty meant everything to him—and the Angels couldn’t be happier to have their ace locked up for the next five seasons.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Matt Kemp

Make no mistake about it—Matt Kemp IS the face of the Los Angeles Dodgers and will be for some time to come.

While the ownership situation is still muddied, and bankruptcy seems to be what everyone is talking about in terms of the Dodgers, Kemp has emerged as the star, and a possible NL MVP candidate. With a .319, 28 HR and 92 RBI, Kemp has upped his game with an intensity not seen in the past. First-base coach Davey Lopes has also helped immensely, with Kemp currently third in the NL with 33 stolen bases.

IF there is one thing the Dodgers should get right this season, or in the offseason, it would be to lock up Kemp long-term. Dodgers fans need something positive to cheer about for a change.

Milwaukee Brewers: Ryan Braun

When the Milwaukee Brewers gave left fielder Ryan Braun a five-year, $105 million contract extension that keeps him in a Brewer uniform for the rest of the decade, they sent a clear message that Braun was in fact the leader of this team going forward.

While first baseman Prince Fielder has gotten all the press regarding his contract status (turning down a five-year, $100 million contract in 2010 didn’t help), Braun’s commitment to stay with the Brewers gave him the leadership role for the future.

Minnesota Twins: Joe Mauer

Despite injuries that put a damper on the current season, Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer is still the undisputed leader for the Twins.

In signing an eight-year contract for $184 million that keeps him in Minnesota until 2018, Mauer will continue to lead the Twins, whether as a catcher or first baseman.

New York Mets: Ike Davis

Due to the uncertainty of the Jose Reyes contract situation and the continuing economic woes of owner Fred Wilpon, we have to give the nod to first baseman Ike Davis.

Despite an ankle injury that has ended Davis’ season, the offensive output shown by Davis in his first two seasons should be a clear indication that he will be a main cog in the Mets lineup for years to come.

New York Yankees: Curtis Granderson

At some point in the next few years, someone is going to have to take the title of face of the franchise away from New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter when he chooses to retire—why not Curtis Granderson?

Granderson has already set career highs in home runs and runs batted in, and will likely set highs in walks, stolen bases and walks as well.

Leading the league in several offensive categories, Granderson clearly appears to be ready to take over as the leader for the Yankees.

Oakland A’s: Brandon Allen

When the Oakland A’s shipped off Brad Ziegler to the Arizona Diamondbacks for first baseman Brandon Allen, they were hoping to land a player who had great potential to be a power hitter in the middle of the lineup.

On Tuesday, Allen displayed some of that power, blasting a home run into the upper deck in right field at Yankee Stadium, one of the longest blasts ever seen at the three-year-old park.

Philadelphia Phillies: Roy Halladay

Yes, he’s 34 years old. Yes, he’s not an emerging star. But Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Roy Halladay certainly shows no signs of letting down anytime soon.

After winning the Cy Young Award in his first season in Philly, Halladay is once again in the discussion for the award—with a 15-5 record, a 2.56 ERA and seven complete games to his credit, Halladay has not only established himself as the ace of the Phillies staff, but also as the face of the Phillies franchise. And without showing signs of slowing, Halladay will remain that face.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Andrew McCutchen

For the first four months of the season, the Pittsburgh Pirates had done something no prior Pirates team had done since 1992—stay above .500 and play competitive baseball. Heck, they were even atop the NL Central division for a period of time.

However, the Pirates came crashing back down to earth. Nevertheless, their center fielder, Andrew McCutchen, has not.

McCutchen has already put up a career-high 18 HR and 74 RBI, and at 24 years old leads a Pirates team that, while fading recently, shows signs of becoming viable for the first time in decades.

San Diego Padres: Casey Kelly

When the San Diego Padres dealt first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to the Boston Red Sox over the winter, they received the prized package they wanted—starting pitcher Casey Kelly.

Kelly, currently pitching at Double-A San Antonio, could be pitching at Petco Park as early as next season, and with the space in that park playing perfectly to Kelly’s style of pitching, Padres fans will have a lot to look forward to in the coming years.

San Francisco Giants: Buster Posey

For over a decade, the San Francisco Giants were Barry Bonds’ team. Now, after only one full season and a thrilling postseason that led to a World Series, the Giants are catcher Buster Posey’s team.

Posey, despite the home plate collision that ended his season much too early, will clearly be the player that leads the Giants well into the future.

Seattle Mariners: Felix Hernandez

Before the 2010 season started, the Seattle Mariners did at least one thing that was very smart—they signed starting pitcher Felix Hernandez to a five-year, $78 million contract. Backing up the contract with a Cy Young Award certainly didn't hurt Fernandez' cause, either.

While there has been speculation that Hernandez would be traded, it would take a mighty package of prospects and major league-ready players to ply Hernandez away from the Mariners.

That being said, the Mariners now feature several young players along with Hernandez that makes the future a little brighter (Dustin Ackley, Kyle Seagler, Michael Pineda); however, it’s Fernandez that makes this team float or sink.

St. Louis Cardinals: Albert Pujols

While many are pondering his free-agent status and wondering where he will land next season, this reporter is fairly confident that long-time St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols will stay right where he is.

Pujols has rebounded after a tough start to the 2011 campaign. Now with 31 HR and 88 RBI, and while some are suggesting that the decline in Pujols’ production may lead to a somewhat smaller deal in free agency, Pujols will nonetheless stay with the Cards. He will continue to lead a potent offense along with Matt Holliday, Lance Berkman, David Freese and Jon Jay.

Tampa Bay Rays: David Price

In just his third full season as a starter, David Price of the Tampa Bay Rays has established himself as one of the elite left-handed pitchers in the American League.

The Rays’ strength in the coming years will be their pitching staff, led by Price, James Shields, Wade Davis, Jeremy Hellickson and Jeff Niemann.

Texas Rangers: Josh Hamilton

While injuries hampered him in the first half of the season, Texas Rangers left fielder Josh Hamilton, the reigning American League MVP, continues to lead the Rangers offense. In 90 games, Hamilton has 16 HR, 69 RBI and a .302 batting average.

Now, if he can just figure out how to hit in the daytime…

Toronto Blue Jays: Jose Bautista

When right fielder/third baseman Jose Bautista took off last season with 54 home runs, many thought it was an aberration. However, Bautista has not disappointed this season, hitting 36 home runs and lifting his batting average to .318, a full 58 points higher than last season.

Signing a five-year, $64 million contract at the beginning of the season ensures that Bautista will be the face of the Blue Jays franchise for years to come.

Washington Nationals: Stephen Strasburg

Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg is continuing his rehab from Tommy John surgery. When he finally appears on the mound again for the Nationals sometime in September, their star will have returned.

Yes, he only started a handful of games for the Nats in 2010 before going down with the injury, but Strasburg clearly lived up to the hype that surrounded him when he was taken with the first overall draft pick in 2009.

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle. Follow Doug on Twitter  @Sports_A_Holic.