Wander Franco spoke out in court for the first time as his sexual abuse trial got underway in the Dominican Republic on Monday. The Rays’ shortstop has been accused of sexual abuse and ...

The 21-year-old shortstop is the face of a franchise win the most wins in the AL over the past three seasons. It also has never won a World Series. He hopes to change that.

Franco, who was once the team’s star shortstop, had signed a $182 million, 11-year contract through 2032 in November 2021 but saw his career abruptly halted in August 2023 after authorities in ...

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who’s currently on trial on charges including sexual abuse of a minor, was charged Sunday with illegal possession of ...

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, left, reacts after hearing his sentence during his trial on charges of sexual abuse of a minor, in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Thursday, June 26, 2025.

FILE – Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco attends his trial on charges of sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor and human trafficking, in Puerto Plata ...

Back in 2021, Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million deal with the Rays. The Rays won't have to pay Franco his contract, though, as long as he's on the restricted list. More MLB on Sports Illustrated ...

The Tampa Bay Rays placed star Wander Franco on leave Monday after allegations surfaced on social media that the 22-year-old shortstop had an inappropriate relationship with a minor, though Franco ...

Franco, who was first called up in 2021 as one of the most hyped prospects in recent years, played a career-high 112 games and was an All-Star for the first time in 2023. Tampa Bay Rays.

Four days later, after Franco was convicted, one of his attorneys hinted at a potential appeal. “Evidently, justice was not done,” attorney Irina Ventura said.

Franco, who turned 24 on March 1, was in his third major league season when his career was halted in August 2023. He agreed to an 11-year, $182 million contract in November 2021.