Native authorities within the Dominican Republic carried out raids on two properties searching for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, according to a report from Dominican newspaper Listin Diario.
Authorities are searching for Franco, 22, after he allegedly had a relationship with a minor. The Santo Domingo Prosecutor’s Workplace for Youngsters and Adolescents raided Franco’s maternal house in Palo Blanco, in addition to the shortstop’s house in Villa Actual. Police have been unable to find Franco.
The report didn’t state whether or not Franco was an energetic fugitive.
The accusations surrounding Franco date again to August when the MLB began investigating social media posts about an alleged inappropriate involvement with a minor. The Rays placed Franco on the restricted record on August 14; the MLB then moved him to paid administrative depart on August 22 upon the launch of a proper investigation by Dominican authorities. The Rays have since moved him again to the energetic roster as a result of administrative depart is unavailable in the course of the offseason.
“We help Main League Baseball’s determination to position Wander Franco on administrative depart,” learn a Rays assertion at the time of the MLB’s announcement. “The Tampa Bay Rays are devoted to upholding excessive requirements of integrity each on and off the sphere. We respect the understanding and persistence of our followers and supporters as this course of unfolds. We may have no additional statements on this matter till MLB completes its course of.”
The third-year main leaguer made his first All-Star recreation in 2023 off the heels with a .281 batting common, 17 house runs, 58 RBIs, 30 stolen bases, and a career-high .819 OPS. Franco signed an 11-year contract with the Rays in November 2021, $182 million of which is guaranteed money. If the investigation continues, the Rays would possible seek a buyout from Franco’s contract.
In response to Tampa Bay.com, Franco denied the accusations in August. “They are saying that I’m in public with a bit of woman, that I’m working round with a minor,” Franco mentioned in August, in line with the outlet.
“Folks don’t know what to do with their time. They don’t know what they’re speaking about. That’s why I desire to be on my facet and never become involved with anyone … as a result of individuals gossip and speak smack.”
