Tampa Bay Rays’ Wander Franco was convicted of abuse in the Dominican Court on Thursday, according to the Associated Press. Franco faced charges of abuse, exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking. In this case, he received a two-year suspended sentence.
The prosecution delivered about 600 pages of evidence against Franco, alleging that he had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl for four months. He is also accused of providing the girl’s mother with cash and a car in exchange for her consent to the relationship. She has also received a 10-year prison sentence in the case.
Since the criminal case in the Dominican Republic is completed, Franco will be investigated by MLB and be subject to a suspension under the league’s Joint Domestic Violence, Assault and Child Abuse Policy. The domestic violence policy does not require criminal charges or conviction to impose discipline.
Here is what the league said in a statement. “Major League Baseball is proud to have a collectively bargained Joint Domestic Violence, Assault and Child Abuse Policy that reflects our commitment to these issues. We are aware of today’s verdict in the Wander Franco trial and will conclude our investigation at the appropriate time.”
Trevor Bauer received the longest suspension under the league’s domestic violence policy for the 324-game ban in April 2022. He was banned after multiple women accused him of abuse. Later, after the appeal process, his suspension was reduced to 194 games.
Franco last played for Tampa Bay on August 12, 2023. After that, he was on administrative leave through July 10, 2024, when the charges were filed. Then, he was placed on the restricted list. He has not been paid or received service time while on the restricted list. He is in the fifth year of his 11-year contract with Tampa Bay. He signed a $182 million 11-year contract extension in November 2021.
