Rusty Weiss
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was declared criminally responsible Monday for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor in a high-profile retrial in the Dominican Republic.
A three-judge panel in Puerto Plata reached the verdict. Remarkably, however, the 25-year-old star will not serve any prison time after the court granted him a judicial pardon.
Details of the Controversial Case
The case stems from a relationship that allegedly began in late 2022 between Franco, then 21, and a girl who was 14. Prosecutors claim the relationship lasted for months. It included financial payments to the girl’s mother.
The court, in its ruling, acknowledged Franco’s actions but also determined he was a “material victim” of extortion and blackmail by the mother. In a grimy sub-story, the girl’s mother was sentenced to 10 years in prison on related charges, including money laundering and trafficking.
Franco reportedly paid thousands of dollars and even bought a car as part of the arrangement.
This marks the second time Franco has been found guilty in the matter. In June 2025, he received a suspended two-year sentence. Both sides appealed. The new trial produced a similar outcome, but with the added judicial pardon, which exempts him from punishment given the specific circumstances of the case.
Full sentencing details are expected on June 16.
Wander Franco was declared criminally responsible for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor by a Dominican judge, but he will not serve a sentence for it.
— ESPN (@espn) May 25, 2026
More on the developing story: https://t.co/Wtehsc8fFV
Reactions from MLB, Rays, and Franco’s Future
Franco, who has not played in the majors since August 2023 and remains on MLB’s restricted list, embraced his family in court after the verdict.
“Thank God for everything,” he said, embracing his family after learning of the decision.
Major League Baseball (MLB) issued a brief statement on the matter.
“We are aware of today’s verdict in the Wander Franco trial and will conclude our investigation at the appropriate time,” the statement reads.
The Rays issued their own statement:
The Tampa Bay Rays are aware of today’s ruling in the Dominican Republic involving Wander Franco. We respect the legal process and the decision issued by the court. This is a serious matter, and our thoughts remain with those affected by the case.
The Rays will continue to cooperate fully with Major League Baseball as it completes its review under the league’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. Out of respect for the legal process and all parties involved, we will have no further comment at this time.
The league’s decision could have a significant impact on Franco’s future in baseball, including potential visa issues and contract considerations with the Rays. That is, if he is to have any future in the game at all. The Rays, for their part, would have to decide if they want him back.
While Franco avoids jail, the conviction is a clear stain on what was, at one time, a promising career for the former top prospect. One wonders if this is over. Whether in the courtroom or the diamond. Will this latest chapter finally close the book on all of his legal battles or simply prolong the uncertainty surrounding his return to the field?
Franco was once viewed as one of baseball’s brightest young stars. He made his MLB debut with the Rays in 2021 and earned an All-Star nod in 2023. The shortstop posted a .282 batting average with 30 home runs and 11.3 WAR across 265 games before being placed on the restricted list due to his legal issues.
