Native authorities within the Dominican Republic carried out raids on two properties searching for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, according to a report from Dominican newspaper Listin Diario.
Authorities are searching for Franco, 22, after he allegedly had a relationship with a minor. The Santo Domingo Prosecutor’s Workplace for Youngsters and Adolescents raided Franco’s maternal house in Palo Blanco, in addition to the shortstop’s house in Villa Actual. Police had been unable to find Franco.
The report didn’t state whether or not Franco was an lively fugitive.
The accusations surrounding Franco date again to August when the MLB began investigating social media posts about an alleged inappropriate involvement with a minor. The Rays placed Franco on the restricted checklist on August 14; the MLB then moved him to paid administrative depart on August 22 upon the launch of a proper investigation by Dominican authorities. The Rays have since moved him again to the lively roster as a result of administrative depart is unavailable through the offseason.
“We support Major League Baseball’s decision to place Wander Franco on administrative leave,” learn a Rays assertion at the time of the MLB’s announcement. “The Tampa Bay Rays are dedicated to upholding high standards of integrity both on and off the field. We appreciate the understanding and patience of our fans and supporters as this process unfolds. We will have no further statements on this matter until MLB completes its process.”
The third-year main leaguer made his first All-Star recreation in 2023 off the heels with a .281 batting common, 17 house runs, 58 RBIs, 30 stolen bases, and a career-high .819 OPS. Franco signed an 11-year contract with the Rays in November 2021, $182 million of which is guaranteed money. If the investigation continues, the Rays would probably seek a buyout from Franco’s contract.
In line with Tampa Bay.com, Franco denied the accusations in August. “They say that I’m in public with a little girl, that I’m running around with a minor,” Franco stated in August, in response to the outlet.
“People don’t know what to do with their time. They don’t know what they’re talking about. That’s why I prefer to be on my side and not get involved with anybody … because people gossip and talk smack.”
