June 28, 2025 – Wander Franco, former Tampa Bay Rays shortstop, was convicted on June 26, 2025, in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, of sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl. He received a two-year sentence.
The case, stemming from August 2023 allegations, also involves charges of sexual exploitation, illicit migrant smuggling, and human trafficking, with a money laundering investigation against the victim’s mother. Franco, last playing in MLB in 2023, is unlikely to obtain a U.S. work visa, ending his MLB career.
The Rays have minimized clubhouse discussion about Franco, per a June 27 report by Marc Topkin. The team recently lost 22-8 to the Orioles, leading to the call-up of LHP Joe Rock from Triple-A and the DFA of RHP Forrest Whitley. MLB’s investigation continues, with no further Rays comment.
