Wander Franco's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings
Player profile
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HT/WT5' 10'' , 189 lbs
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Birthdate03/01/2001 (23)
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Draft InfoUndrafted
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StatusInactive
The trail of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco for charges of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor and human trafficking was postponed on Thursday until June 2 of next year after a judge in the Dominican Republic ruled that key witnesses were not located in time to meet the original trial date of Dec. 12. If convicted, Franco could face a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Of the 36 witnesses scheduled to testify in the case, only three were present on Thursday. Although the legal process still has to play out, there remains a pretty good chance that the 23-year-old won't play in major-league baseball ever again. He was placed on indefinite administrative leave on Aug. 22 of 2023 in the midst of his third MLB season, and he was added to the restricted list in July of 2024. In addition to his trial, Franco is under investigation until the case is resolved.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco will now face charges of illegal use and possession of a firearm after he was arrested in the Dominican Republic countryside during an armed altercation on Sunday, according to public prosecutors. Franco had been held for questioning by police but is expected to be granted his release on Tuesday. A Glock with its magazines and 15 rounds of ammunition but no registration papers were found in Franco's Mercedes-Benz at the time of the altercation. There were no injuries, and the involved parties won't be pressing charges. The use and possession of illegal firearms carries a maximum sentence of three to five years. Franco is currently on indefinite administrative leave from MLB and will stand trial in the DR on Dec. 12 in a separate case involving charges of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor. He's unlikely to play baseball in the big leagues again.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who remains on the team's restricted list, was arrested on Monday in the Dominican Republic. This time, the arrest was related to an incident that happened on Sunday in which an altercation occurred and "guns were drawn." Franco is currently out on bail based on a deal related to his other charges connected to his relationship with a minor. According to the story, the 23-year-old is permitted to carry a gun so long as he has a license for it and it is registered, but it is not currently known whether or not the one in Sunday's incident was either licensed or registered. Franco is still awaiting trial in the other case and has not played in the majors since August of 2023.