Wander Franco Arrested in Armed Altercation

Wander Franco, the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop, was arrested in the Dominican Republic following an armed altercation involving another man and a woman. Police reported that the incident occurred in a parking lot in San Juan de la Maguana, where two firearms were seized, one potentially belonging to Franco. This arrest adds to Franco's legal troubles, as he is currently awaiting trial on serious charges including sexual abuse of a minor, which is set to begin on December 12. Since August 2023, Franco has been on administrative leave from MLB, following allegations of inappropriate conduct with a 14-year-old girl. His future in baseball remains uncertain, particularly with ongoing investigations into his conduct under MLB's domestic violence and child abuse policies. Franco, who signed an 11-year, $182 million contract, has seen his career significantly impacted by these legal issues.