Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
It’s been close to two years since Wander Franco’s MLB career came to a screeching halt over the allegations that led to him being arrested in connection with the trafficking and abuse of a minor. His trial in the Dominican Republic is now in its final stages, and prosecutors have revealed how long they want him to spend in prison if he’s found guilty.
In 2017, the Rays secured the talents of one of the top prospects in baseball when they signed Wander Franco, the shortstop who made his MLB debut midway through the 2021 campaign.
He ended up playing in 70 games while posting a .288 batting average and driving in 39 runs, and the franchise obviously liked what it saw from the rookie when you consider he landed an 11-year deal worth $182 million in the offseason.
Franco was in the midst of a breakout season in 2023 when things took a very unexpected turn when he was placed on the team’s restricted list over accusations he’d engaged in a relationship with a minor in his native Dominican Republic—specifically a girl who was reportedly 14 years old when it began.
The MLB followed suit after officials in the country confirmed he was at the center of an investigation that led to him being charged with sexual and commercial exploitation of a minor as well as human trafficking (her mother was also implicated and hit with additional money laundering charges over the money he allegedly paid her to facilitate the relationship).
Franco was facing a maximum of 30 years in prison when the trial began earlier this month.
According to the Associated Press, he may end up serving significantly less than that while nonetheless ending up behind bars for a lengthy stint if he’s not acquitted, as prosecutors revealed they are pushing for a five-year sentence when they delivered their closing arguments on Monday while citing his “proven crime of sexual abuse against a minor.”
His lawyers used the hearing to push for the dismissal of the case, although it does not appear that request is going to be granted.