The Dominican appeals court has ruled in favor of Wander Franco, the Rays’ All-Star shortstop, who no longer has to physically check in with Dominican Republic authorities each month. However, Franco is still under investigation in his native country. The court also decided to retain the $33,000 bond that Franco had posted to be released from jail in January. He was arrested and detained after failing to respond to a summons to speak with prosecutors.
Despite these challenges, Franco is recognized for his impressive .282 career batting average, 30 career home runs, and 130 RBIs. To stay updated on local sports news and stories about the Bucs, Rays, Lightning, and college football in Florida, sign up for the Sports Today newsletter. Stay connected with the latest updates and analysis of your favorite Tampa Bay sports teams by following our coverage on Instagram, X, and Facebook.
Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million deal with the Rays in 2021 and continues to be paid his $2 million salary for this season while on administrative leave. He has not played in the majors since August 2023 as he faces these legal issues related to having a relationship with a 14-year-old girl that began when he was 21 in December 2022 and that he paid the teen’s mother for her consent to their relationship. The allegations against him have led him to face significant challenges both on and off the field as he tries to clear his name.
