ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – AUGUST 12: Wander Franco #5 of the Tampa Bay Rays looks on during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Tropicana Field on August 12, 2023 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
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Former Tampa Bay Rays All-Star shortstop Wander Franco's baseball career has taken another surprising turn following the latest development in his legal saga.
The former Rays star was once viewed as one of baseball's brightest young position players and signed an 11-year, $182 million contract in 2021. His career was derailed after authorities in the Dominican Republic began investigating allegations involving a minor, leading to his arrest in January 2024 and an extended absence from professional baseball.
In a surprise ruling in May, a Dominican judge later declared Franco criminally responsible for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor but granted him a judicial pardon that spared him from serving a prison sentence while sentencing the victim's mother to jail time.
“It seems contradictory to declare criminal responsibility and, at the same time, exempt him from punishment,†Judge José Antonio Núñez acknowledged in the ruling, according to ESPN News Services. “The court has granted Wander Franco a judicial pardon due to the particular circumstances that made him a material victim, but not a legal one.”
That ruling did not restore Franco's major-league baseball career, but he appeared set to play in the upcoming Dominican Winter League s(LIDOM) season. But now he has been abruptly cut from his new team.
Former MLB Superstar Wander Franco Suddenly Released By New Team
LIDOM's Leones del Escogido announced Saturday that Franco was among four players released as part of the league's roster evaluation and reserve-reduction process ahead of its draft.
“The Leones del Escogido announced this Saturday the release of four players, including shortstop Wander Franco, as part of the regulatory process of evaluation and reserve reduction prior to the draft of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM),†according to a translated report from Hoy.
Escogido general manager Carlos Pena characterized the decision as a roster move rather than a specific judgment on Franco, though it is hard to imagine Franco being unable to contribute to the team for talent reasons alone.
“As part of the evaluation and reserve reduction process that is done in a regulated manner before the draft, we have made the decision to release Gerlin Rosario, Wander Franco, William Lugo, and Bryan Gonzalez,†Pena said, according to Listin Diario. “It's an operational decision that responds to the team's needs and our sporting plan for next season. We wish them all the best in their next steps.â€
$182 Million Tampa Bay Rays Shortstop Faces Uncertain Baseball Future
The release represents another obstacle for a player whose professional career once appeared destined for long-term stardom.
Franco debuted with Tampa Bay in 2021 and quickly established himself as an elite young shortstop. The Rays rewarded him with one of the largest contracts in franchise history, but his career was effectively put on hold after the investigation began.
MLB placed Franco on the restricted list in 2024, and the league has continued to conduct its own review under its domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. The Rays previously said they would cooperate with MLB's investigation and declined further comment while the legal process continued.
Franco's release from Escogido does not itself determine what happens next in his baseball career. However, with his MLB future already uncertain and his Dominican league team now moving on, another potential avenue for returning to professional baseball has closed.
