Reporter offers ominous warning about Wander Franco

Jun 27, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

A new report suggests Wander Franco’s MLB career may be in danger due to allegations regarding an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

Claims against Franco are being investigated by MLB as well as the government of the Dominican Republic. A source told Dominican-based MLB reporter Hector Gomez that the potential results of the latter investigation make it “very unlikely” that Franco will play in MLB again.

A person very close to the investigations into the case of Wander Franco: "It will be very unlikely that Wander Franco will play in MLB again, judging by the results of the investigations that are currently being carried out, which directly commit him to the accusations against… https://t.co/Yn5CGckJgE

— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) August 17, 2023

Several social media posts emerged last week accusing Franco of an inappropriate relationship with a minor. The allegations being investigated in the Dominican Republic are apparently based on a separate complaint. The Rays placed Franco on the restricted list earlier this week, which was initially set to last until the end of the team’s current road trip.

The 22-year-old Franco was hitting .281 with 17 home runs and 30 stolen bases on the season, which also included his first career All-Star appearance.