PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic — Suspended Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was convicted of sexually abusing a child and handed a two-year suspended sentence Thursday.

Franco, who was once the team’s star shortstop, had signed a $182 million, 11-year contract through 2032 in November 2021 but saw his career abruptly halted in August 2023 after authorities in ...

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, left, reacts after hearing his sentence during his trial on charges of sexual abuse of a minor, in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Thursday, June 26, 2025.

Wander Franco was accused of having a four-month relationship with a girl who was 14 at the time and of transferring thousands of dollars to her mother to consent to the illegal relationship.

Franco had been out of the Rays’ lineup since Aug. 12. “We support Major League Baseball’s decision to place Wander Franco on Administration Leave,” the Rays said in a statement after MLB ...

Wander Franco did not show up for his 11 a.m. questioning Thursday after being summoned following allegations of inappropriate relations with underage girls, according to ESPN.

After a nearly six-month delay, Wander Franco’s trial on multiple charges is set to begin Monday in the Dominican Republic with his freedom and baseball future on the line, as well as a ...

Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco, 24, stands trial in Dominican Republic on charges of sexual abuse of a minor and human trafficking, facing up to 30 years if convicted.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, center, who faces an accusation of molesting an underage girl, arrives in court in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, on Jan. 5, 2024. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) ...

Franco’s mother, Nancy, has two major league brothers: not just Willy Aybar but also Erick, who played 12 seasons in M.L.B. Franco’s father, also named Wander, played professionally but did ...

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, left, reacts after hearing his sentence during his trial on charges of sexual abuse of a minor, in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Thursday, June 26, 2025.