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
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been formally charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor. There was already enough doubt surrounding the possibility of Franco ever being able to play in the major leagues again, but this development should all but seal the deal in that regard. The 23-year-old former top prospect's fantasy stock in dynasty leagues has officially evaporated, meaning he can be safely jettisoned to waiver wires across all formats wherever he may have been stashed for those holding out hope he may have been innocent. Franco, a 2023 All-Star, had his entire career ahead of him and previously signed an 11-year deal worth $182 million with the Rays through 2032. If his MLB career has indeed come to an abrupt close, Franco slashed .282/.340/.454 with 30 home runs, 130 RBI, 164 runs scored, and 40 stolen bases over 265 games in Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has had his stay on administrative leave extended to July 14. Franco's original had an end date of June 1. Franco has been on leave since last August with allegations of having an inappropriate relationship with a minor. The extension allows more time for any developments in his case, while he will continue to receive $2 million in salary from the Rays. Authorities have until July 5 to formally charge Franco and there should be plenty of development until then with the case. Franco was one of the young stars on the rise in the big-leagues in 2023, but his off the field allegations have likely ended his career.
The Tampa Bay Rays have placed shortstop Wander Franco on administrative leave through June 1 under an agreement between the MLB and the MLB Players Association. Franco has been away from the team since last August, when his relationship with a minor first surfaced. There is no administrative leave in the offseason, which is why Thursday's Opening Day is when this move took place, and it also takes the former All-Star off of the 40-man roster, although he is still being paid while on leave. On June 1, the two parties will meet again to decide whether to extend his leave or place him on the restricted list, depending on the results of the investigation in the Dominican Republic. It's presumed that once that investigation is complete, MLB will conduct its own investigation, and Franco will likely be suspended.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco will be back in a courtroom on Feb. 8, according to court officials in the Dominican Republic, this time to be present as a judge interviews the teenage girl at the center of the sexual-abuse probe that has indefinitely put Franco's baseball career on hold. Franco is accused of physical and sexual abuse and commercial sexual exploitation of a minor. According to prosecutors, Franco paid the girl's mother thousands of dollars in cash and other gifts in exchange for the mother's consent to engage in a sexual relationship with her daughter. At the time of the alleged relationship, Franco was 21 and the girl was 14. Another judge will decide whether Franco will face a trial, a process that could stretch into the summer. It's looking increasingly likely that Franco won't play at all in 2024, and his MLB career could be done entirely.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is facing a lesser charge after a judge in the Dominican Republic analyzed evidence that alleges he had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl and paid her mother thousands of dollars for her consent. Franco was originally accused of commercial and sexual exploitation and money laundering, charges that carry up to 30 yards, 10 years and 20 years of prison respectively. He now stands accused of sexual and psychological abuse. He has not been formally accused, but if found guilty, he could face between two to five years in prison. Franco was released from jail on Monday but is required to meet with authorities once a month in the Dominican as the investigation continues, and he's unlikely to be allowed back into the U.S. anytime soon, which means he's unlikely to play for the Rays by Opening Day. There's a high probability the 22-year-old won't play major-league baseball again.