Wander Franco Is Likely Done

The day has come, Tampa Bay Rays Shortstop Wander Franco has been charged with Sexual Abuse and exploitation of a minor in the Dominican Republic. Franco has been under investigation since August of 2023 after allegations came out of a relationship that Franco had with a 14-year-old girl.

The details are very graphic. It has been reported that Franco called the girl "My Girl" in multiple chats and even was quoted saying "If my team realizes this, it could cause problems for me. It is a rule for all teams that we cannot talk to minors, and yet I took the risk, and I loved it.". Just a reminder that he is talking to a 14-year-old girl when he sent that message.

Franco also was alleged to have paid the girl and her mother to keep her quiet. The 14-year-old girl's mother is another piece of work. It was also told in documents that she accepted a car and other gifts in exchange for permission for Franco to have a relationship with her child. She was money laundering and exploited her daughter. The court might throw the book at her too if they have real hard evidence of her doing and allowing this.

Franco has been in the Dominican Republic during this investigation. Now that he is being charged, it does not look like he will be returning to the MLB anytime soon. Wander Franco is currently facing up to 20 years in prison.

There is more to this story. Franco who signed an 11-year 182 Million Dollar Contract with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021, is in jeopardy of loosing 100% of this deal. During this time Franco was placed on administrative leave and now that charges have been filed, he is now on the restricted list.

He will not receive payment anymore until the court case concludes. With a "good citizenship" clause in the contract, he could lose everything. The MLB is still investigating, but, it's hard to see a favorable outcome for Franco. Given the evidence presented, it's not looking good. Considering the court of public opinion, Franco's reputation is tainted.

No matter what happens, it is looking more likely that the Tampa Bay Rays will cut all ties with Franco and void his contract, especially when they removed his likenesses from Tropicana Field.

If Franco is found guilty, then he is going to go down as one of the biggest falls from grace and a tremendous example of wasted potential ever in the MLB. Here is a player, who at one point was the number 1 prospect in the MLB, was the face of the Rays organization, got the highest-paid contract in the franchise history, to persona non grata, and out of a job. It is such a shame.