Fantex to offer stock in Phillies' Franco, 4 other players

The big-league ballplayer stock market is growing rapidly.

Fantex, which allows customers to purchase shares in professional athletes' future earnings, announced Wednesday that it reached deals with five major-league players.

Minnesota Twins pitcher Tyler Duffey, Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco, Houston Astros pitcher Collin McHugh, Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jonathan Schoop, and San Diego Padres third baseman Yangervis Solarte will all take themselves public with the company. They'll join Los Angeles Angels left-hander Andrew Heaney, who became the first baseball player to sign with Fantex last September.

Fantex pays each player a dollar figure up front in exchange for a percentage of their future endorsement and branding earnings. Customers can then purchase stock in promising players, and will receive a payout for their investment based on the success of the player's career and brand going forward.

In addition to the five baseball players, the company also announced deals with Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson and four professional golfers.