A Dominican Republic court handed down a suspended sentence Monday to Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco for sexually abusing a minor, allowing the former All-Star to avoid prison time.
Judge Jose Ramon Nunez cited “particular circumstances” as the reason for the lenient ruling in the case, which was prosecuted in the Caribbean country where the alleged crimes occurred.
The court also convicted the victim’s mother on charges of trafficking the minor to Franco and attempting to extort money from him.
Franco, who earned All-Star honors with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023, had previously been convicted in June 2025, but that decision was reversed and a new trial was ordered.
Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, Franco appealed to his supporters, saying “to please continue supporting me and trust God, that soon, through God’s faith, we are heading up again.”
The alleged abuse occurred over approximately four months starting in December 2022, when Franco was 21 years old and the victim was 14.
The Dominican-born player became a star with the Tampa Bay Rays and earned All-Star recognition in 2023.
Franco inked a $182 million deal with the Rays in 2021 and was considered among baseball’s most promising young players before the accusations surfaced publicly in August 2023.
Franco remains on unpaid leave, with the Rays stating he has not reported to the team in Florida.
In a statement Monday, the Rays indicated they respect the legal proceedings and the court’s ruling, adding they will continue collaborating with Major League Baseball’s abuse policy organization. The team did not specify whether they plan to continue their relationship with Franco.
The decision may be challenged on appeal, and the complete legal reasoning has not been made public. Franco’s legal representative said they would review the full details before deciding on future actions.
