Wander Franco's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco will likely not be allowed to enter the United States while facing accusations of sexual abuse of a minor, an aggravated felony in his native Dominican Republic, according to two immigration attorneys who have worked with major-league teams and players. Based on this, Franco's presence at spring training and his availability for at least the start of the 2024 season appear to be in doubt, even before MLB considers any action amid their separate investigation. "Barring a full exoneration in this case, where it comes out that this was all made up, I don't see him very likely coming back anytime soon, if ever," said Javad Khazaeli, a former prosecutor for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The 22-year-old will most likely open the 2024 season on the restricted list and could have to forfeit the remaining $174 million left on his 11-year, $182 million he signed in November of 2021.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was officially charged with commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering following allegations that he had a relationship with a minor whose mother also faces the same charges in the Dominican Republic on Thursday after initially being arrested on Monday for failing to appear at a summons late last week. Franco will be under house arrest and prohibited from leaving the country and will be presented before a judge on Friday. The 22-year-old had a serious lapse in judgment and will face the consequences with most likely a lengthy suspension in 2024. Before his off-the-field incident, the five-tool player was quickly becoming a first-round fantasy asset with the ability to contribute elite numbers in all categories.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was arrested in the Dominican Republic on Monday for no-showing at his meeting last Thursday with the prosecutor who is investigating him for alleged relationships with underaged girls, according to sources. The arrest was because Franco did not show up to his summons and not because there has been any type of progress in the investigation against him. The 22-year-old is also being investigated by Major League Baseball and could be given a lengthy suspension for the 2024 season, clouding his fantasy appeal for the upcoming campaign. Franco didn't play for the Rays after Aug. 12 due to the accusations against him. When he's on the field, he's one of the best fantasy and real-life shortstops in the game. Franco slashed .281/.344/.475 with an .819 OPS, 17 home runs, 58 RBI, 30 stolen bases and 65 runs scored in 442 at-bats in 2023.