Teodosio Jáquez Encarnación tells the Times Friday, as he said in court, that “there is no direct evidence” linking the Rays ...

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.

TAMPA, Fla. — 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 ...

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.

Franco started Sunday’s game in the Rays’ dugout, then left it in the fifth inning. Sunday’s promotion at Tropicana Field was the Wander Franco Snapback Hat for fans 14 and under.

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.

Franco’s father, also named Wander Franco, exclaimed, “God is just.” The 22-year-old All-Star is accused of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering.

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.