Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, 25, was found guilty for the second time on charges of sexual and psychological abuse of a minor in the Dominican Republic but will not serve prison time after a three-judge panel issued him a judicial pardon.
Franco was initially found guilty in June 2025 and received a suspended two-year sentence. Both sides appealed, and a retrial was conducted. The panel again found Franco criminally responsible but declared that he was also a “material victim, but not a legal one” in the case. The minor’s mother was again convicted of trafficking her daughter and received a 10-year prison sentence. The court’s full decision and sentencing will be issued on June 16.
The verdict leaves Franco’s baseball future in deep doubt. Immigration experts have previously said that anything short of a full exoneration from a crime of moral turpitude would make it nearly impossible for Franco to secure a visa to work in the United States and continue his career in the Majors.
Franco has not played for the Rays since Aug. 12, 2023, a day before social media posts surfaced alleging he had been involved in a relationship with a 14-year-old girl that began in December 2022, when he was 21 years old. He was placed on administrative leave for the remainder of the 2023 season and returned to administrative leave to start the 2024 season. Franco was formally charged in the Dominican Republic in July 2024 and moved to Major League Baseball’s restricted list for failing to report to the team. He remains on the restricted list, not being paid or accruing Major League service time.
Major League Baseball released a statement: “We are aware of today’s verdict in the Wander Franco trial and will conclude our investigation at the appropriate time.” Franco remains under investigation by MLB, which can issue discipline under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.
“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 said in a statement. “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 court’s full written decision is expected June 16, which could clarify the legal reasoning behind the judicial pardon and shape both MLB’s disciplinary timeline and any future visa proceedings.