Wander Franco #5 of the Tampa Bay Rays
According to reports from Jeff Passan of ESPN, Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been placed on administrative leave as the 2024 season commences. Initially reported by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Passan notes that Franco’s status may be subject to change.
Passan stated on X (formerly Twitter): “News: Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been placed on administrative leave through June 1 per an agreement between MLB and the MLBPA, a source tells ESPN. Franco’s status could change before then depending on proceedings in the criminal case in the Dominican Republic.”
Wander Franco, the future MLB shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays At Tropicana Field, Wander Franco (5) hits against the Cleveland Guardians in the first inning.
Neitzel, Kim Klement; USA TODAY Sports
Prior to making his Major League Baseball debut in 2021, Franco, a 23-year-old, was a highly-regarded prospect in the Rays organisation. He started showing indications of brilliance right away, and in 2023 he was chosen for the American League All-Star squad. In 112 games, the Rays infielder hit.281/.344,.475/.819 with a.281 average.
Following the revelation of unsettling charges, Franco’s ’23 season was cancelled. The infielder for the Rays was charged with having sex with a girl who was 14 years old. Due to the claims, Franco was put on the restricted list while the investigation was underway. It was even rumoured that Franco might never return to Major League Baseball.
It goes without saying that the investigation’s findings will be crucial to Franco’s future. Passan claims that the allegations remain unanswered.
“The league and union agreed to two more months of admin leave, as Wander Franco had spent the last six weeks of the previous season on paid administrative leave and the allegations of a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old were still legally pending,” Passan wrote on X.
As of right now, it’s unclear what Franco’s future holds. Since the news first broke in 2023, several reports have surfaced. Numerous experts have made predictions about Franco’s future.
It doesn’t appear like Franco will be back in Major League Baseball very soon, if at all. Following all that has happened, it’s hard to see him returning to the Rays and playing MLB ball.
Having said that, investigations will keep happening. It will be important to keep an eye on this issue going forward. We’ll keep you informed as more information becomes available.
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