Tampa Bay Rays standout Rambler Franco is formally charged with serious charges in the Dominican Republic

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is officially accused of sexually exploiting a minor in the Dominican Republic, putting his baseball future even further in doubt.

The report comes from the New York Post, which translated a report from a Dominican Republic-based newspaper (link included):

Authorities in the Dominican Republic plan to file formal allegations against Rays shortstop Wander Franco related to an alleged relationship with a 14-year-old girl that began in December 2022, according to a new report.

The report in This was announced by the Dominican newspaper El Nuevo Diario that Franco is accused of commercial sexual exploitation of a minor.

Franco hasn’t played in a major league game for the Rays since last August, when he was placed on leave amid allegations that he had a relationship with a then-14-year-old girl in the Dominican Republic. Due to the legal situation, he has not yet returned to the United States and there are doubts as to whether or not his major league career is over at age 23.

He has not yet been punished by Major League Baseball, which is awaiting the conclusion of the investigation in the Dominican Republic.

There is no report yet on what legal significance these formal allegations might have for Franco, but it is just another entanglement and complication for him and his baseball career.

Tampa Bay invested the largest contract in franchise history in Franco, giving him an 11-year contract in 2021. His contract was worth $182 million, but depending on the situation, it is now completely up in the air. He is currently receiving his salary while on administrative leave.

The 23-year-old made his debut in 2021 and has a lifetime .282 average over three seasons. He made the All-Star team in 2023 and hit .281 for the Rays, who won 99 games. He also had 17 home runs, 58 RBI and 30 stolen bases.

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