Wander Franco

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Franco and the second or maternal family name is Aybar.
Wander Franco
Franco with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023
Tampa Bay Rays – No. 5
Shortstop
Born: (2001-03-01) March 1, 2001
Baní, Dominican Republic
Batted: Switch
Threw: Right
MLB debut
June 22, 2021, for the Tampa Bay Rays
Last MLB appearance
August 12, 2023, for the Tampa Bay Rays
MLB statistics
Batting average.282
Home runs30
Runs batted in130
Stats at Baseball Reference 
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Wander Samuel Franco Aybar (born March 1, 2001), nicknamed "El Patron", is a Dominican professional baseball shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2021 and was an All-Star in 2023.

Franco has not played in affiliated baseball since August 2023, when he was placed on administrative leave due to an investigation into allegations of relationships with underage girls in the Dominican Republic. In June 2025, a Dominican court found Franco guilty of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of a minor; he received a suspended sentence of two years in prison. His first trial was voided by a Dominican appeals court that December. His second trial is set to start March 30, 2026.

Professional career

Minor leagues

Franco was ranked as one of the top international prospects in the 2017 international class.[1] He signed with the Tampa Bay Rays organization on July 2, 2017, for a signing bonus of $3.85 million.[2][3] He made his professional debut in 2018 with the Princeton Rays. On July 14, Franco hit for the cycle.[4] At 17 years old, Franco was named the 2018 Appalachian League Player of the Year after hitting for a .374/.445/.636 slash line with 11 home runs and 57 runs batted in (RBIs) over 245 plate appearances for Princeton.[5][6][7]

Prior to the 2019 season, Franco was ranked as the fourth best prospect by Baseball America.[8] He began the season with the Bowling Green Hot Rods.[9][10] He was promoted to the Charlotte Stone Crabs on June 25.[11] Franco was named to the All-Star Futures Game.[12] He finished the 2019 season with a .327/.398/.487 slash line with nine home runs and 53 RBIs.

Prior to the 2020 season, Franco was ranked the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball. Franco did not play in any minor league contests due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[13] On September 22, the Rays added Franco to their pool of players who would be eligible to play in the Major League Baseball (MLB) postseason[14] but he did not appear in the playoffs. He played in the Dominican Winter League in the 2020-21 offseason with Leones del Escogido, batting .350/.435/.500 in 23 plate appearances.[15]

2021: MLB debut

The Rays invited Franco to major league spring training in 2021,[16] but he did not make the team and began the season in Triple-A with the Durham Bulls.[17] In 39 games with Durham, Franco had a .315/.367/.586 slash line with seven home runs and 35 RBIs.[18]

On June 20, the Rays announced that Franco would be promoted to the major leagues ahead of a series against the Boston Red Sox.[19][20] He was formally selected to the 40-man roster on June 22.[21] Franco made his MLB debut that night.[22] In the game, he recorded his first career hit, home run, and RBI on a three-run shot off of starter Eduardo Rodríguez in the fifth inning.[23] At 20 years and 113 days old, Franco was the second-youngest player (after B. J. Upton) to debut for the Rays.[24]

On August 25, Franco reached base safely for the 26th consecutive game, the longest streak by an MLB player under 21 years old since 1961.[25] On September 7, Franco reached base safely for the 37th consecutive time, passing Mickey Mantle’s 36-game on-base streak for a player 20 years old or younger.[26] Franco's streak ended at 43 consecutive games on September 30, leaving him tied with Frank Robinson.[27] Franco finished third in American League Rookie of the Year Award voting, losing out to teammate Randy Arozarena.[28][7]

On November 23, Franco and the Rays agreed to an 11-year, $182 million contract extension, with a club option of $25 million for a 12th year. At age 20, Franco became the youngest player in baseball history to sign a contract worth at least $100 million, passing Ronald Acuña Jr.'s eight-year, $100 million contract extension signed in 2019.[29][30] Franco's deal was the largest for any player with less than one year of major league service time, surpassed by Julio Rodríguez's extension in 2022.[31]

2022: injuries

On April 22, 2022, Franco had his first multi-home run game against the Red Sox. Franco became the youngest player in franchise history to have a multi homer game, doing so at age 21 and 52 days old.[32]

On May 31, Franco was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a strained quadriceps.[33] He was activated on June 26.[34] On July 9, Franco returned to the 10-day injured list.[35] Two days later, it was announced Franco would miss five to eight weeks due to hand surgery.[36][37] On September 9, he was activated off the injured list.[38][39] He finished his only full season in the majors batting .277 with 6 home runs and 33 RBI in 83 games.[15]

2023: All-Star and restricted list

On July 4, 2023, Franco was selected to his first MLB All-Star Game as the roster replacement for the injured Aaron Judge.[40] Franco hit .281 with 17 home runs and 58 RBI for the season.[15]

Franco was placed on the Rays' restricted list on August 13, as MLB and a specialized Minor and Gender Violence Division based in Peravia in the Dominican Republic began investigations into an alleged relationship with a minor. Franco was then placed on indefinite administrative leave by MLB. The league stated the administrative leave "is not disciplinary under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy".[41]

2024–2026: Off the field

Franco was reinstated to the 40-man roster by the Rays following the conclusion of the 2023 season, as administrative leave is only available in-season.[42] After he was formally charged in July 2024, the Rays requested that he be placed back on the restricted list for failure to report. The terms of his bail theoretically allowed him to leave the Dominican Republic, provided he returned to check in with authorities monthly, but immigration experts told The Athletic that it would have been all but impossible for him to enter the United States while the trial was underway.[43][44] He has remained on the restricted list ever since, and is thus not eligible for pay or accrued service time.

Franco was convicted in June 2025. The nature of the charges will make it prohibitively difficult for him to obtain an American work visa; he is expected remain on MLB's restricted list unless he can secure a visa. MLB's own investigation into Franco is still underway, and he could still be disciplined under MLB's domestic violence policy.[45][46] Earlier, immigration experts told The Athletic that Franco would have had to be fully exonerated to have any realistic chance of getting a visa and could have faced a permanent ban from ever entering the United States again if convicted on the most serious charges.[44] Along similar lines, several immigration lawyers told the Tampa Bay Times that since Franco was convicted of a "crime involving moral turpitude," it would be all but impossible for him to enter the U.S. unless he was fully exonerated on appeal.[47]

International career

Franco played for the Dominican Republic in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. With Willy Adames and Jeremy Peña at shortstop, Franco instead played second base, splitting time with Ketel Marte. In 12 plate appearances in three games, Franco hit .222/.417/.222, leading the team in walks (along with Juan Soto) with three.[48]

Personal life

Franco's parents are both from Baní, Dominican Republic. His father, also named Wander, played baseball. His mother is the sister of Erick Aybar and Willy Aybar, both of whom played in MLB. His brothers, Wander Alexander Franco and Wander Javier Franco, played in the Houston Astros and San Francisco Giants minor league systems.[49][50] Franco dropped out of school after sixth grade to focus on baseball.[49]

Franco married his girlfriend after the 2021 MLB season. They have two sons, born in late 2018 and 2022.[49][51]

Franco was placed on administrative leave by MLB in August 2023 due to investigations into an alleged relationship with a minor, halting his playing career.[41]

On July 9, 2024, Franco was charged in the Dominican Republic with sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a minor,[52] and human trafficking.[53] On June 26, 2025, Franco was found guilty and received a suspended sentence of two years in prison.[54][45] On December 9, Franco's conviction was overturned and a new trial was ordered.[55] The new trial is currently scheduled to begin on March 30, 2026.[56]

On November 10, 2024, while awaiting trial, Franco was arrested in San Juan de la Maguana after an altercation in which guns were drawn.[57][58] He was charged with illegal possession of a handgun in June 2025.[59]

References

  1. ^ "2017 Prospect Watch". MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 13, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  2. ^ Topkin, Marc (July 2, 2017). "Rays journal: Rays to sign top international prospect Wander Franco". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on February 15, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  3. ^ Chastain, Bill (July 2, 2017). "Rays sign international prospect Wander Franco | Tampa Bay Rays". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 7, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  4. ^ Rosenbaum, Mike (July 14, 2018). "Rays prospect Wander Franco hits for cycle". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 7, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  5. ^ Topkin, Marc (March 5, 2019). "The wonder of Wander, who is on the Rays' fast track". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on August 15, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  6. ^ Sanford, Adam (August 23, 2019). "Wander Franco named Appalachian League Player of the Year". DRays Bay. Archived from the original on June 7, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  7. ^ a b "Tampa Bay Rays 2022 media guide" (PDF). MLB.com. pp. 106–108. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  8. ^ Cooper, J.J. (April 26, 2019). "Wander Franco Dominating The Midwest League, Already". Baseball America. Retrieved September 19, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  9. ^ Romano, John (May 1, 2019). "With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the majors, the countdown begins for the Rays' Wander Franco". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on June 7, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  10. ^ Glasier, David S. (May 18, 2019). "Wander Franco's star rising with Hot Rods". The News-Herald. Archived from the original on June 7, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  11. ^ Kolakowski, Ryan (June 26, 2019). "Rays uber prospect Wander Franco shines in Stone Crabs debut". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on June 28, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  12. ^ Callis, Jim (June 28, 2019). "Here are the 2019 Futures Game rosters". MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 8, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  13. ^ "2020 Minor League Baseball season shelved". MILB.com. June 30, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  14. ^ "Rays' Wander Franco: Makes postseason player pool". CBS Sports. September 22, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
  15. ^ a b c "Wander Franco Minor, Winter & WBC Leagues Statistics". Baseball Reference. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
  16. ^ Dykstra, Sam (February 1, 2021). "Rays invite Franco to Spring Training camp". MILB.com. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  17. ^ Berry, Adam (April 29, 2021). "Notes: Wander to Triple-A; Adames' bad luck". MLB.com. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  18. ^ Anderson, R.J. (June 22, 2021). "Wander Franco MLB debut: Baseball's top prospect hitting second, playing third for Rays vs. Red Sox". CBS Sports. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
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  20. ^ "Rays set to promote SS Wander Franco, MLB's No. 1 prospect". San Diego Union Tribune. Associated Press. June 21, 2021. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
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  22. ^ "Wander Franco's Major League debut highlights". Mlb.com. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  23. ^ Jackson, Wilton (June 22, 2021). "Rays' Wander Franco Launches Home Run in MLB Debut". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  24. ^ Topkin, Marc (June 23, 2021). "5 more things about Wander Franco's big-league debut". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  25. ^ Topkin, Marc (August 26, 2021). "No wonder at 20, Rays' Wander Franco is quite a hit". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  26. ^ Topkin, Marc (September 7, 2021). "Wander Franco moves past Mickey Mantle in extending on-base streak". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  27. ^ Berry, Adam (October 1, 2021). "'Very special': Wander's on-base streak ends". MLB.com. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  28. ^ "MLB Rookie of the Year 2021: Rays' Randy Arozarena takes AL honor; Reds' Jonathan India wins NL award". CBS Sports. November 15, 2021. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
  29. ^ "4 big questions about Wander's extension". MLB.com. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
  30. ^ McCullough, Andy; Rosenthal, Ken (August 15, 2023). "Wander Franco agrees to 12-year extension with Rays worth up to $223 million: Source". The Athletic. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
  31. ^ Gavin, Mike (August 26, 2022). "Mariners ink Julio Rodríguez to huge contract extension". NBC Sports Bay Area & California. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
  32. ^ Berry, Adam (April 22, 2022). "Ozzie's glove + Bonds' bat = Wander?". MLB.com. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
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  34. ^ "Rays SS Wander Franco returns from quadriceps injury". USA Today. June 26, 2022. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  35. ^ Topkin, Marc (July 9, 2022). "Rays' Wander Franco heads to injured list, potentially out 6-8 weeks". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  36. ^ Crane, Andrew (July 11, 2022). "Wander Franco needs surgery; Kevin Kiermaier 'down for some time'". Tampa Bay Times.
  37. ^ Berry, Adam (July 11, 2022). "Franco needs wrist surgery, expected to miss 5-8 weeks". MLB.com. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  38. ^ Orgera, Scott (September 9, 2022). "Franco activated by Rays before series opener In Bronx". Associated Press News. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  39. ^ Ashame, Betelhem (September 10, 2022). "'It's time': Wander's impactful return helps Rays gain on Yanks". MLB.com. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  40. ^ "Rays' Wander Franco added to 2023 All-Star roster, joining Díaz and Arozarena". WFLA. July 9, 2023. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  41. ^ a b Close, David; Morse, Ben (August 22, 2023). "Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco placed on indefinite administrative leave". CNN. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  42. ^ "Rays reinstate Wander Franco in procedural roster move". ESPN. November 2, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  43. ^ Passan, Jeff (July 10, 2024). "Sources: Rays' Wander Franco placed on restricted list after charges". ESPN.
  44. ^ a b Rosenthal, Ken (January 9, 2024). "Why legal experts believe Wander Franco could be barred from entering the U.S." The Athletic.
  45. ^ a b Passan, Jeff (June 26, 2025). "Rays' Franco guilty of sexual abuse, gets suspended sentence". ESPN.
  46. ^ Berry, Adam (June 26, 2025). "Wander Franco found guilty of sexual abuse in Dominican Republic". MLB. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
  47. ^ Chavez, Juan Carlos (June 27, 2025). "Wander Franco's conviction likely bars return to U.S., attorneys say". Yahoo! Sports. Tampa Bay Times.
  48. ^ "2023 Dominican Republic Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
  49. ^ a b c Passan, Jeff (June 11, 2019). "How Wander Franco became MLB's next can't-miss kid". ESPN. Archived from the original on September 9, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  50. ^ Topkin, Marc (July 2, 2017). "Rays finalize deal with top prospect Wander Franco". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on June 7, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  51. ^ Topkin, Marc (April 3, 2022). "Rays not too worried despite Austin Meadows' early exit". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved April 4, 2022.
  52. ^ "Rays SS Franco charged with sexual abuse against a minor". ESPN. July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  53. ^ "Rays' Wander Franco now accused of human trafficking, sexual abuse of minor: Authorities". Fox 13 News. July 10, 2024.
  54. ^ "Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco found guilty in sex abuse case, receives 2-year suspended sentence". Newsday. Associated Press. June 26, 2025. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
  55. ^ "Appeals court voids ruling in Wander Franco case, orders new trial". Tampa Bay Times. December 9, 2025. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
  56. ^ Topkin, Marc (February 20, 2026). "Start of new trial for Rays' Wander Franco postponed until March 30". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
  57. ^ Recio, Juan (November 11, 2024). "Police: Wander Franco arrested in D.R. after altercation". ESPN. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
  58. ^ Adames, Martín (November 11, 2024). "Rays' Wander Franco, who awaits sex abuse trial, arrested in armed altercation". Associated Press. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
  59. ^ "Wander Franco charged with gun possession as his trial on child sexual abuse charges continues". AP News. June 9, 2025. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
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