Wander Franco Found Guilty of Sexual Abuse of a Minor

A Dominican court has convicted former Tampa Bay Rays infielder Wander Franco, now 24, of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl in the Dominican Republic. He was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended, contingent on strict court-imposed conditions such as no contact with minors.

Case Details

• The relationship began in late 2022 when Franco was 21 and involved payments and travel arranged with the girl’s mother—constituting exploitation in the eyes of the court.
• The judge ruled that the victim was manipulated, and Franco was acquitted of human trafficking and commercial exploitation charges, though his mother was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
• Prosecutors had originally sought a five-year prison term for Franco and ten years for the mother.

Immediate Implications

• No jail time for now: The suspended sentence mandates compliance with conditions—violation would trigger the term in full.
• Visa and career in jeopardy: The conviction likely bars Franco from obtaining a U.S. work visa, dramatically reducing any chance of returning to MLB. He’s been on MLB’s restricted list since July 2024 and hasn’t played since August 2023.
• MLB response pending: Major League Baseball has acknowledged the verdict and will complete its investigation under its joint policy addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse—potentially leading to further discipline.

Career Fallout

• Franco was once one of MLB’s top prospects and signed a record 11‑year, $182 million deal with Tampa Bay in 2021. His future with the Rays and in the majors is now highly uncertain.
• Even if legal conditions are met, visa denial remains the most likely barrier to re-entering MLB, effectively keeping him out indefinitely .

What’s Next?

1. Appeals process: Franco’s defense is expected to appeal the verdict and sentencing.
2. MLB disciplinary decision: The league’s final disciplinary measures are anticipated following its investigation.
3. Official visa stance: U.S. immigration officials typically deny work visas for moral turpitude crimes, making Franco’s professional return unlikely.

Summary Table

This conviction not only ends Franco’s prospects of returning to the U.S., but also raises important questions about MLB’s role in player conduct off-field. If you’d like, I can provide insights into precedent cases, MLB’s policy outcomes, or the legal appeals process.