Wander Franco's trial delayed until June

The trial of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, scheduled to start Thursday, was rescheduled to June 2, 2025, because of the lack of availability of witnesses.

Franco is facing charges of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor and human trafficking in the Dominican Republic. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.

ESPN reported Thursday 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, 23, was a rising MLB star in August 2023 when he 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 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