Prosecutors Reveal Preferred Prison Sentence for Ex-MLB Star Wander Franco
Former Major League Baseball player Wander Franco is currently on trial in the Dominican Republic. The former Tampa Bay Rays shortstop is facing several serious charges, including sexual abuse, commercial sexual exploitation, and human trafficking of a minor.
He has not played since 2023, when allegations first surfaced that he was in a relationship with a minor living in the Dominican Republic, his home country. Monday saw closing arguments delivered in the case, which could put into motion potential discipline from Major League Baseball.
MLB has said that it will not begin its independent investigation until the legal proceedings are finished in the Dominican Republic. His status within baseball is listed as restricted, but he can't play for the Rays or any other team until he's allowed to leave the country.
According to ESPN's Alden Gonzalez, prosecutors there are seeking a five-year prison sentence for the former Major Leaguer. Franco's defense team is asking that the charges be dismissed, citing a lack of sufficient evidence.
Per the Associated Press, prosecutors in the Dominican Republic say that there is enough evidence to prove that Franco had a relationship with a then-14-year-old girl, and that he sent large amounts of money to her family to manufacture their consent.
$68,500 and $35,000 were found in raids on the girl's mother's home, money that the prosecution says came directly from Franco.
In addition to the five-year sentence for Franco, the prosecution is seeking a 10-year sentence for the girl's mother, as they feel the minor was sexually trafficked.
Earlier this month, the prosecution described the evidence against Franco as “convincing” and “compelling.” Further documents include those that suggest Franco paid the girl's mother with the help of his own mother.
Franco, once considered the top prospect in baseball, appeared to be well on his way to MLB stardom. He made his highly anticipated major league debut with the Rays in 2021, and by 2023 he was an All-Star for the first time.
Franco last played on August 12, 2023 in a win against the Cleveland Guardians. We'll see if he ever returns to Major League Baseball after facing such serious charges.