Wander Franco Convicted in Dominican Republic, MLB Future in Jeopardy

Former Tampa Bay Rays star Wander Franco was convicted of sexual abuse in a Dominican court on Thursday, receiving a two-year suspended prison sentence. The verdict marks a significant development in a case that has kept the once-promising infielder off the field since August 2023.

Franco, who remains under contract with the Rays, faced grave charges including sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking. Prosecutors presented extensive evidence in January 2024, alleging a four-month relationship with a 14-year-old girl. The girl’s mother, who reportedly received cash payments and a car for consenting to the relationship, was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

This conviction clears the path for Major League Baseball to conclude its own investigation into Franco. The league has a strict Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy, which allows for disciplinary action regardless of criminal charges or convictions. MLB issued a statement Thursday, affirming its commitment to the policy and acknowledging the verdict, stating it would conclude its investigation at the appropriate time.

Franco’s last appearance for the Rays was August 12, 2023. He was placed on administrative leave and later the restricted list, meaning he has not received pay or service time since charges were filed in July 2024. This legal outcome comes as Franco is in the fifth year of an 11-year, $182 million contract extension signed in November 2021. The 24-year-old, once considered one of baseball’s brightest young talents and an All-Star in 2022, also faces a separate legal case stemming from a gun-related charge in November 2024. His future in professional baseball now hangs in severe doubt.

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