Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was found guilty in the Dominican Republic this past week of sexual abuse of a minor, receiving a two-year sentence. While the prison sentence is suspended, Franco’s future as a baseball player is almost certainly over.
Following Franco’s sentencing, Bob Nightengale of USA Today explained that Major League Baseball’s policies, along with violations that are considered “crimes of moral turpitude,” mean that Franco will almost certainly never play for an MLB team again.
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- Wander Franco contract (Spotrac): 11 years, $182 million
MLB has a morality clause in contracts that allows the league to discipline players for conduct that damages the sport’s reputation and image. Even if there isn’t a criminal conviction, Commissioner Rob Manfred has the authority to suspend players whose conduct is deemed immoral and could harm MLB’s public image.
Franco remains on MLB’s restricted list but will likely receive a lengthy suspension following his conviction. While the league might wait until a potential appeal and formal sentencing, a lengthy ban from baseball is coming for the former All-Star shortstop.
- Wander Franco stats (ESPN): .281/.344/.475, .819 OPS, .795 OPS, 30 home runs, 130 RBI, 40 stolen bases in 1,037 career at-bats
Even without the suspension, United States immigration law states that a “crime of moral turpitude” can result in the U.S. deeming an immigrant inadmissible into the country. As a result, Franco would have no legal path to return to the U.S., and thus, he couldn’t play for an MLB team.
Originally signed to an eleven-year, $182 million contract extension in November 2021, Franco’s conviction also opens the door for the Rays organization to void the remainder of his contract. The 24-year-old is also facing charges of illegal gun possession in the Dominican Republic, stemming from an arrest in November.
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