Dominican Republic

Wander Franco arrested in Dominican Republic after altercation: Report

The Rays shortstop has been on administrative leave since 2023 due to charges of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor and human trafficking.

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The 23-year-old shortstop is on administrative leave by Major League Baseball and the player’s association through July 14.

Wander Franco is once again facing legal troubles in the Dominican Republic.

The Tampa Bay Rays shortstop reportedly was arrested in San Juan de la Maguana, D.R., on Monday.

Police sources told ESPN's Juan Recio that there was an altercation Sunday in the parking lot of an apartment complex where guns were drawn. Franco and an unnamed woman were held for questioning after the incident, Recio reported.

Franco has been on indefinite administrative leave from Major League Baseball since August of 2023 due to charges of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor and human trafficking. He will stand trial in the D.R. on Dec. 12 for separate cases involving those charges.

The 23-year-old Franco was placed on MLB's restricted list in July after prosecutors accused him of having a sexual relationship with a then-14-year-old girl.

Franco, who made the All-Star team in 2023, signed an 11-year, $182 million contract extension with the Rays in 2021 when he was just 20 years old.

Until the cases are resolved, Franco will be under MLB investigation over the league's domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. He is still under contract with the Rays at this time.

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