Poor work ethic sparked internal discord, and inappropriate relationships with minors put him on the outs. Wander Franco’s (22, Tampa Bay Rays) Major League Baseball career may be over after just three seasons.
The Associated Press reported on Sunday (Nov. 17)카지노사이트 that the Minors and Sexual Violence Unit of the Public Prosecutor’s Office in the southern Dominican Republic’s Peravia Province is conducting an investigation into Franco. Franco is from Bani, Peravia. “This is a very sensitive case because it involves a minor,” said Peravia prosecutor Angel Dario Tejeda Faval. “Next week we will be able to provide the necessary information without hindering the investigation.”
The investigation is in its early stages and is being led by an expert in child abuse cases. Prosecutors are gathering evidence and testimony, but did not provide further details. There has been no contact with Major League Baseball or the U.S. government regarding the case. It is also unclear if Franco has retained an attorney.
Hector Gomez, a reporter for the Dominican Republic’s Z101 Digital, was quoted by a source familiar with Franco’s case as saying, “It is highly unlikely that Franco will ever play in the major leagues again. The investigation is ongoing and the charges are directed at Franco.” Gomez, who is most familiar with major league baseball in the Dominican Republic, added that the source was the same person who broke the news of Franco’s extension last November.
If confirmed, this could mean a permanent exit from Major League Baseball. Franco, a switch-hitting shortstop, signed with Tampa Bay for $3.85 million in July 2017 when he was just 16 years old, and was recognized as an offensive prodigy who was ranked No. 1 overall in major prospect rankings for two consecutive years in 2020 and 2021. After making his big league debut in June 2021, he quickly showed his talent, finishing third in the American League (AL) Rookie of the Year after just 70 games.
Immediately following his first season, Tampa Bay handed Franco a massive 11-year, $820 million extension. The largest contract ever for a player with less than one year of service time. The fact that it wasn’t another team, but small-market Tampa Bay, makes it even more remarkable. Franco was limited to 83 games last year due to a right wrist injury, but this year he batted .281 (124-for-442) with 17 home runs, 58 RBIs, 30 doubles and an .819 OPS in 112 games. With his first All-Star selection, his shortstop potential has begun to burst forth.
[Photo] Wander Franco of the Tampa Bay Rays. ⓒGettyimages (All rights reserved)
[Photo] Wander Franco of the Tampa Bay Rays. ⓒGettyimages (All rights reserved)
However, this year’s walks were controversial enough to result in internal disciplinary action. He was often seen not sprinting to the plate on so-called “walks,” and his regular outbursts of anger, such as slamming his bat and throwing his equipment, ruined the atmosphere in the dugout. He even got into an argument with fellow outfielder Randy Arozarena when he pointed it out. The team had enough of his unruly behavior on and off the field. He was suspended internally for two games against the Kansas City Royals on June 23-24.
But there was more to come. Less than two months after the Walker controversy ended, the team shocked the world by revealing inappropriate relationships with multiple minors. The social media revelations led to an investigation by Major League Baseball’s Office of the Commissioner, and Tampa Bay placed Franco on the restricted list. While teams are not obligated to pay players during this time, Tampa Bay continues to pay Franco his $2 million salary.
It’s not easy to give up on a player who is your starting shortstop and a key player for the next decade, but the situation is serious. In any country, working with minors is a felony, punishable by imprisonment. Major league-level punishment is also inevitable, and even when it’s over, teams shy away from players embroiled in sex scandals. Former Cy Young Award-winning pitcher Trevor Bauer (Yokohama DeNA) also went to Japan after being suspended from the major leagues. Franco is in the second year of an 11-year contract, and if the allegations are proven to be true, he will likely be out of Tampa Bay for the remainder of the season. Read more at /waw@osen.co.kr
[Photo] Tampa Bay Rays’ Wander Franco. ⓒGettyimages (All rights reserved)
[Photo] Wander Franco of the Tampa Bay Rays. ⓒGettyimages (All rights reserved)