Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco Faces Sexual Abuse Trial Dominican Republic

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, 24, is set to begin trial in the Dominican Republic on charges including sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a minor, and human trafficking related to a 14-year-old girl. Prosecutors allege that Franco paid the minor's mother thousands of dollars for her consent and used the funds to acquire assets, with evidence deemed sufficient by a Dominican judge to proceed to trial. Franco, who was an MLB All-Star in 2023 and signed an 11-year, $182 million contract extension, has been on the MLB restricted list since the allegations emerged, and his future in baseball is uncertain pending the trial's outcome. The trial was delayed from December 2024 due to witness availability issues but will now be heard by a panel of judges without a jury. Franco was also recently arrested on firearm possession charges, adding to his legal troubles. Major League Baseball will await the legal proceedings before conducting its own investigation or ruling on Franco's status, while the Rays are reportedly considering legal options regarding his contract if he is barred from playing.