Wander Franco verdict, sentencing announced in sexual abuse of a minor case

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been convicted of sexual abuse of a minor in the Dominican Republic, according to ESPN’s Juan Arturo Recio. In addition to the verdict, the judge also ruled on sentencing.

Franco is sentenced to two years in prison, but the judge suspended the sentence, according to ESPN. There will be conditions he has to meet – including the judge’s order not to approach minors with sexual intentions – or else he will have to serve the full term.

Additionally, the mother of the victim in the case was found guilty of sexually trafficking her daughter, ESPN reported. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison as a result and the judge order the seizure of assets through a money laundering charge.

BREAKING: Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was found guilty of sexual abuse of a minor in the Dominican Republic for an illegal sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl when he was 21. He received a two-year prison sentence, according to @JuanRecioM.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 26, 2025

Franco is currently on Major League Baseball’s restricted list after initially being placed on administrative leave in 2023. That decision came after allegations surfaced in the Dominican Republic that he had a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl.

As the trial went along, prosecutors requested a five-year prison sentence for Franco. They argued they had sufficient evidence to prove his relationship with the minor and that he transfer large amounts of money to the minor’s mother to consent to the relationship. Prosecutors also requested the minor’s mother be sentenced to 10 years in prison.

MLB released a statement following Thursday’s decision. The league’s investigation is still open and it said it is aware of the latest news out of the Dominican Republic.

“Major League Baseball is proud to have a collectively bargained Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy that reflects our commitment to these issues,” the league said in a statement to ESPN. “We are aware of today’s verdict in the Wander Franco trial and will conclude our investigation at the appropriate time.”

Franco was one of the top prospects in baseball at one point and made his MLB debut with the Rays in 2021. He then secured an 11-year, $182 million contract in November 2021 and made the All-Star Game in 2023. He has a career .282 batting average with 30 home runs and 130 RBI across more than two full seasons.