Wander Franco's Conviction: A Dark Chapter for the Tampa Bay Rays

In a shocking turn of events, Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been found guilty of sexual abuse of a minor in the Dominican Republic. The ruling, delivered on June 27, 2025, resulted in a suspended two-year prison sentence for Franco, who engaged in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl when he was 21. This verdict not only casts a shadow over Franco’s career but also raises serious questions about the implications for Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Rays organization.

Prosecutors had sought a five-year sentence for Franco, but Judge Jakayra Veras opted for a suspended sentence, stipulating that Franco would avoid further prison time as long as he complies with specific conditions. These include refraining from any contact with minors for sexual purposes. The ramifications of this conviction extend beyond Franco’s immediate future; his mother, Martha Vanessa Chevalier Almonte, was also convicted for her role in sexually trafficking her daughter and sentenced to 10 years in prison for seeking financial gain from Franco.

As a result of his conviction, Franco faces significant hurdles in his professional career. Currently on MLB’s restricted list due to his failure to report to the team, he is expected to encounter difficulties in obtaining a work visa in the United States. If he is unable to secure this visa, Franco will remain on the restricted list, freeing the Rays from the obligation to pay his substantial 11-year, $182 million contract.

The investigation by MLB into Franco’s conduct remains open, with the league poised to impose further discipline under its domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy. MLB has publicly stated its commitment to addressing these serious issues through its collectively bargained policy, emphasizing that they will conclude their investigation appropriately.

The allegations against Franco first surfaced in August 2023, when social media posts claimed he was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a teenage girl. Despite his denial of these allegations, Franco was placed on paid administrative leave following an agreement between MLB and the MLB Players Association. After he was formally charged in July 2024, he was subsequently moved to the restricted list.

According to prosecutors, Franco’s relationship with the girl began online, leading to two instances of sexual intercourse in December 2022. He allegedly arranged for her transportation from her hometown of Puerto Plata to his home in Bani, utilizing helicopters and cars. During a police raid on the girl’s residence, authorities discovered a substantial amount of cash, including $68,500 in U.S. dollars and approximately 800,000 Dominican pesos (around $13,700).

Once heralded as one of baseball’s brightest prospects, Franco debuted at just 20 years old in 2021 and quickly became a star for the Rays. After signing with the team as a 16-year-old for $3.8 million, he was rewarded with a long-term contract—the largest in franchise history—after his second season. Before the allegations surfaced, Franco was enjoying a breakout 2023 season and had earned his first All-Star selection.

In addition to the sexual abuse conviction, Franco is also facing unrelated charges for illegal possession of a handgun stemming from an altercation in a parking lot in San Juan de la Maguana. That case is still pending in court, adding further complications to Franco’s already tumultuous situation.

As the fallout from this case continues to unfold, the future of Wander Franco, both personally and professionally, hangs in the balance, leaving fans and the baseball community to grapple with the severe implications of his actions.