Dominican Prosecutors Seek Five-Year Sentence for Rays' Wander Franco in Minor Sexual Abuse Case

Wander Franco, the suspended Tampa Bay Rays shortstop, is facing a possible five-year prison sentence in the Dominican Republic after prosecutors presented evidence that he had a months-long sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl and paid her mother to keep silent. Prosecutors allege Franco transferred large sums of money to the girl's mother, who is also facing a 10-year prison sentence for trafficking and money laundering related to the case. Franco's defense argues there is insufficient evidence and seeks dismissal of the charges. The case has halted Franco's rising baseball career, and he remains on MLB's restricted list while an investigation continues. A verdict in the case is expected to be announced on Thursday by a Puerto Plata court. The allegations have overshadowed Franco's promising career, which included an 11-year, $182 million contract extension with the Rays in 2021.