Wander Franco detained in D.R. [Updated]

UPDATE: Wander Franco was detained in his home country of the Dominican Republic after being interviewed by prosecutors regarding his alleged inappropriate relationships with young girls.

There are currently no criminal charges against the 22-year-old Tampa Bay Rays shortstop.

Franco will appear in a Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic court on Wednesday to be arraigned, per the Associated Press and ESPN. Both the MLB and Tampa Bay Rays have declined to comment on the detainment.

Local authorities in the Dominican Republic carried out raids on two homes looking for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, according to a report from the Dominican newspaper Listin Diario.

Authorities are looking for Franco, 22, after he allegedly had a relationship with a minor. The Santo Domingo Prosecutor’s Office for Children and Adolescents raided Franco’s maternal home in Palo Blanco, as well as the shortstop’s home in Villa Real. Police were unable to locate Franco.

The report did not state whether Franco was an active fugitive.

The accusations surrounding Franco date back 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 list on August 14; the MLB then moved him to paid administrative leave on Aug. 22 upon the launch of a formal investigation by Dominican authorities. The Rays have since moved him back to the active roster because administrative leave is unavailable during the offseason.

“We support Major League Baseball’s decision to place Wander Franco on administrative leave,” read a Rays statement 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 major leaguer made his first All-Star game in 2023 off the heels with a .281 batting average, 17 home 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 likely seek a buyout from Franco’s contract.

According to 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,” the shortstop said.

“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.”