Things are going from bad to worse for Tampa Bay shortstop Wander Franco, and this latest development is just another log on the fire that’s been burning since last summer.
Criminal Charge For Tampa Bay Short Stop
Wander Franco, once one of the brightest young stars in Major League Baseball, is now officially facing charges for illegal possession of a handgun, according to a report. This charge stems from an incident in November in the Dominican Republic—yes, the same country where he grew up and the same place where his life seems to be unraveling fast.
Franco was involved in an altercation in a San Juan de la Maguana parking lot, and during the chaos, guns were drawn. Thankfully, no one was injured. But the aftermath didn’t do Franco any favors. When authorities searched his car, they found a handgun, which wasn’t registered to him—it was licensed to his uncle. That’s where the illegal possession charge comes in.
And that’s just the start of it.
A Disturbing Web of Allegations
The bigger—and far more disturbing—issue is that Franco is already on trial for a series of serious criminal charges. We’re talking sexual abuse of a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation, and even human trafficking.
Prosecutors allege that Franco, now 24, had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl, and worse still, they claim he paid the girl’s mother thousands of dollars—and gifted her a car—to continue the relationship. That’s not just morally bankrupt; it’s criminal on every level.
He was arrested in July 2023 after the accusations surfaced the month prior. Since then, his playing career has ground to a halt.
The Rays Step Back, and the Fallout Grows
After the allegations came to light, the Tampa Bay Rays didn’t waste time distancing themselves. Franco hasn’t played since August 12, 2023, and he’s been on Major League Baseball’s restricted list ever since. This isn’t a situation where a team waits to see what happens—they knew this was radioactive.
And let’s not forget that Franco signed one of the most lucrative contracts ever handed to such a young player—11 years, $182 million—back in 2021. What once looked like a bold investment in a franchise cornerstone now looks like an absolute disaster. If Franco is convicted, he could be looking at potentially serving up to 30 years behind bars.
The courtroom battles are just beginning for Franco, but one thing’s clear: this isn’t just a fall from grace—it’s a total implosion. And for the Rays, the MLB, and baseball fans everywhere, it’s a moment that forces hard questions about character, accountability, and the future of a once-promising career.
