Wander Franco Avoids Prison in Abuse Case

Former Major League Baseball player Wander Franco has escaped imprisonment despite being found guilty for the second time on charges related to sexual and psychological abuse of a minor. A judge in the Dominican Republic granted the 25-year-old a judicial pardon.

This decision overturned an initial conviction from June 2025, where Franco received a suspended two-year sentence. The charges originated from a relationship with a 14-year-old girl starting in December 2022, when Franco was 21. Though the court found Franco criminally responsible, it acknowledged an extortion scheme by the girl’s mother, targeting him.

Prosecutors had pushed for a five-year sentence, but the harshest legal consequences fell on the minor’s mother. Investigators had discovered over $100,000 in her home, linked to Franco. She received a ten-year prison sentence for money laundering and commercial sexual exploitation. During the trial, evidence showed she exploited her daughter for financial gain, receiving thousands of dollars from Franco.

Wander Franco’s career in MLB seems to be over. He signed a contract extension with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021 for 11 years, worth $182 million. However, his last MLB game appearance was in August 2023, following social media allegations. Subsequently, he was placed on administrative leave, and MLB moved him to the restricted list, affecting his salary and service time.

Under U.S. immigration laws, this case is likely considered a ‘crime involving moral turpitude.’ With no full exoneration, obtaining a work visa to return to the MLB seems improbable for Franco. The Rays hold financial leverage due to this, with $160 million left on Franco’s contract. If he cannot secure a visa or report to the team, the Rays are not obligated to pay him. The team may also explore voiding the rest of Franco’s contract under standard morality clauses in sports contracts.

Major League Baseball continues its independent investigation under its Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Policy. The organization had awaited the conclusion of legal proceedings in the Dominican Republic before determining official disciplinary actions.