Tampa Bay Rays sensation Wander Franco is currently being investigated in the Dominican Republic regarding allegations of a relationship with a minor, as stated by officials in the country on Monday. The media office of the attorney general in the Dominican Republic informed The Associated Press that investigations are underway into Franco’s alleged involvement with a minor. These investigations were prompted by social media posts that raised suspicions about Franco’s actions.
As a result, the Rays have placed Franco on the restricted list while Major League Baseball (MLB) conducts its own investigation into the matter. The team has not disclosed the exact nature of the social media posts, but they have mutually agreed with Franco that he should go on the restricted list. During his time on the list, Franco will continue to receive his salary.
The Rays expressed their support for MLB’s efforts to gain a better understanding of the situation, stating, “Out of respect for all parties involved, we have no further comments at this time.” When asked about Franco’s situation, the team’s president Erik Neander stated, “Our comments on Wander are going to stand for what we have to say.”
In the midst of this controversy, Franco took to Instagram Live before the Rays’ game against the Cleveland Guardians to deny the allegations. According to The Athletic, his teammate Jose Siri can be heard in the background of the video shouting in Spanish, “people after money.”
Meanwhile, the Rays began their road trip against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night and are expected to remain on the road through the next Sunday, facing the Los Angeles Angels after the Giants. They will then return home to play against the Colorado Rockies starting on August 22nd.
Franco’s presence was notable during Sunday’s game as he was present in the team’s dugout at the beginning but left in the fifth inning. The game coincided with Wander Franco Snapback Hat Day at Tropicana Field, where fans aged 14 and under could receive a special hat upon entering the stadium.
When questioned about Franco’s absence from the game, Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash replied, “I’m aware of the speculation, and I’m not going to comment any further on that. The day off was because [it was] a day off.”
Wander Franco, who was recently named an All-Star for the first time in his career, has been performing exceptionally well this season, boasting a .281 batting average with 17 home runs and 58 RBI. In November 2021, he signed an impressive 11-year, $182 million contract extension, with a team option in 2033 that could make the deal worth $233 million.
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