Tampa Bay Rays’ standout shortstop, Wander Franco, has been placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball (MLB) as investigations unfold into alleged interactions he had with underage girls in his native Dominican Republic.
The 22-year-old Franco, who was previously on the restricted list, has been under scrutiny by both the Dominican police and MLB’s investigations department. Though no charges have been brought against him, a prosecutor mentioned that a specialized division focusing on minors and gender violence is overseeing the police inquiry.
The decision to put Franco on administrative leave is a significant step, consistent with MLB’s protocol. This status removes him from the team’s active roster during ongoing investigations related to potential violations of the league’s domestic violence policy. The leave can be extended indefinitely, subject to approval from the MLB Players Association.
“Effective immediately, the administrative leave is not considered a disciplinary action under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Policy. Further comments will be made when appropriate,” MLB stated on Tuesday.
Should Franco choose not to challenge the administrative leave, which is his prerogative for the initial seven days, MLB might approach the MLBPA to consent to a seven-day extension. After the initial 14 days, both MLB and MLBPA must agree on any further extension.
MLB initiated its investigation shortly after social media messages emerged on August 13, implying Franco’s involvement with an underage girl, whose age falls below the consent threshold of 18 in the Dominican Republic. A prosecutor in the province of Peravia disclosed that an inquiry involving a minor is underway and will be spearheaded by Olga Dina Llaverias, a prosecutor specializing in child abuse cases. A local Dominican newspaper, Diario Libre, reported that a 17-year-old girl filed a complaint against Franco in July.
The social media frenzy prompted the Rays to keep Franco from joining the team in San Francisco. After a mutual agreement between Tampa Bay and Franco to place him on the restricted list for a week, the decision to switch to administrative leave was anticipated, especially with a home series against Colorado scheduled.
In the event that Franco contests the administrative leave — a period during which he continues to be compensated and accrue service time — the case would be submitted to a neutral arbitrator. This arbitrator would evaluate if there is “credible information” supporting the allegations or if Franco’s return to the Rays would “significantly disrupt” the team.
Franco, currently in the second year of an 11-year, $182 million contract, had been enjoying a remarkable season, boasting a batting average of .281/.344/.475, along with 17 home runs, 30 stolen bases, and his inaugural All-Star Game participation.
