Rays Star Wander Franco Offers Surprising Reaction To Upcoming Trial
Rays Star Wander Franco Offers Surprising Reaction To Upcoming Trial
After a period of silence, Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has made a cryptic return to social media ahead of his upcoming trial in the Dominican Republic. The 24-year-old baseball player, who faces serious legal troubles related to allegations involving a minor, posted an Instagram story showing himself in his Rays uniform alongside a Bible verse from Genesis 50:20 about harm being transformed into good.
Franco’s message comes approximately five weeks before his rescheduled court appearance on charges of sexual abuse and human trafficking. Once viewed as a promising MLB talent, Franco has largely stayed out of the public eye since mid-2023 when the allegations first emerged, leading to his placement on administrative leave by Major League Baseball.
Wander Franco’s MLB Future Remains In Limbo
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has not played professional baseball since August 2023. His career remains in suspension as he faces multiple legal challenges in the Dominican Republic. Major League Baseball placed Franco on the restricted list following allegations of misconduct, resulting in the withholding of his $8 million salary for the current 2025 season.
Franco’s legal troubles have expanded beyond the initial charges. He now faces additional allegations related to illegal firearm possession stemming from an incident in late 2024. Court restrictions currently prevent him from leaving the Dominican Republic while requiring monthly appearances before authorities.
The Rays organization finds itself in a complicated position. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, the team remains bound by the 11-year, $182 million contract signed with Franco in 2021. This contractual obligation creates significant uncertainty for the franchise’s future planning.
MLB leadership has maintained their position that no final disciplinary decisions will be announced until all legal matters reach conclusion. With Franco’s trial date approaching, both his personal freedom and professional baseball career hang in a precarious balance.
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
