Wander Franco, former shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, has been convicted in the Dominican Republic for sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl. The offense occurred when Franco was 21 years old.
He was sentenced to two years in prison, but the court suspended the sentence. As part of the ruling, Franco must avoid any future sexual contact with minors. If he violates these conditions, the suspended sentence will be revoked and he’ll be required to serve the full term.
The court also sentenced the girl’s mother to 10 years in prison for facilitating the relationship in exchange for money. Prosecutors presented messages and financial transactions as key evidence during the proceedings.
Franco has not played in Major League Baseball since August 2023, when the allegations first became public. He was placed on administrative leave and later moved to the restricted list, which halted his salary and paused his $182 million contract.
His conviction now places his future in baseball in serious doubt. Obtaining a U.S. work visa may no longer be possible, and MLB is currently reviewing the case under its domestic violence and abuse policy.
Franco’s legal team has said they plan to appeal the ruling. Until then, his career remains in limbo.
