Report: Wander Franco trial to begin Monday

The trial of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, which was scheduled to start in December but was rescheduled due to the lack of availability of witnesses, is slated to begin Monday in the Dominican Republic, ESPN reported on Saturday.

Franco is facing charges of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor and human trafficking in his native Dominican Republic. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. Per ESPN's report, prosecutors have "conclusive evidence" to support the charges.

ESPN reported in December that only three of the 36 witnesses scheduled to take the stand were in the courtroom in Puerto Plata. The other witnesses had not been located. Franco was present in the courtroom.

Franco, 24, was a rising MLB star in August 2023 when he was placed on administrative leave amid allegations he had engaged in a relationship with a then-14-year-old girl -- the month following his first All-Star selection. He was moved to the MLB's restricted list in July and remains the subject of an MLB investigation.

Franco found new trouble last month when he was arrested on charges of illegal use and possession of a firearm following an altercation in the Dominican Republic. A court date is pending in that case.

Franco remains under contract to the Rays, who signed him to an 11-year, $182 million contract extension in 2021. He is not paid while on the MLB restricted list.

--Field Level Media