Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was found guilty of sexually abusing a minor by a court in the Dominican Republic on Thursday.
The 24-year-old ex-All-Star was given a suspended prison sentence of two years. That sentence is conditional on Franco “not approach[ing] minors for sexual purposes.” Franco’s case surrounded a relationship that the then 21-year-old had with a 14-year-old girl in the Dominican Republic. The mother of that girl was sentenced to 10 years in prison for her role in bringing her daughter and Franco together.
Franco was the centerpiece of the Rays, netting the biggest contract in the notoriously frugal organization’s history and winning his first All-Star berth shortly before the allegations of abuse appeared on social media in 2023. Franco was immediately placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball. He was moved to the league’s restricted list after prosecutors filed charges against him in 2024. Franco is still facing an investigation by the league and could see further penalties.
“We are aware of today’s verdict in the Wander Franco trial and will conclude our investigation at the appropriate time,” the league shared in a statement.
Franco’s conviction throws his ability to work in the United States into question. The Rays have not had to pay on Franco’s $182 million contract since he was placed on the league’s restricted list, and would be free of his contract if he were unable to return to the U.S.
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