SouthernWorldwide.com – Major League Baseball All-Star Wander Franco will not serve prison time despite being found guilty of sexual and psychological abuse of a minor. A judge in the Dominican Republic has granted the 25-year-old shortstop a judicial pardon.
This decision effectively overturns Franco’s initial conviction from June 2025, where he had received a two-year suspended sentence.
The charges against Franco originated from a relationship he had with a 14-year-old girl that lasted for several months, beginning in December 2022. At the time of the relationship, Franco was 21 years old, while the girl was a minor.
The court determined that while Franco bore criminal responsibility for his actions, he was also a victim of an extortion and blackmail scheme. This scheme was allegedly orchestrated by the minor’s mother.
Prosecutors had strongly advocated for a five-year prison sentence for the former Tampa Bay Rays star. However, the court ultimately imposed its most severe punishment on the minor’s mother.
Investigations had previously revealed over $100,000 in cash during raids conducted at the mother’s home, funds linked to Franco.
The mother has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Her convictions include money laundering and commercial sexual exploitation.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence detailing how the mother allegedly used her daughter as a means to generate income. She is accused of extracting thousands of dollars from the wealthy MLB player in exchange for her consent to the relationship.
Although Franco has avoided jail, his professional baseball career in Major League Baseball is considered over. He had previously signed an 11-year contract extension worth $182 million with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021.
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Franco has not played in an MLB game since August 2023. This was around the time allegations involving the minor first gained widespread attention on social media.
He was initially placed on administrative leave. Subsequently, MLB moved him to its restricted list, which halted both his salary payments and his service time accrual.
Under U.S. immigration law, this case is likely to be classified as a “crime involving moral turpitude.”
Because Franco was not fully acquitted, immigration experts believe it will be extremely difficult for him to obtain the necessary work visa to resume his MLB career.
The sentencing also provides the Rays with significant financial leverage. With approximately $160 million remaining on Franco’s contract, the team is not obligated to pay him if he cannot secure a visa or report for duty.
Furthermore, the Rays may attempt to void the remainder of the contract by invoking morality clauses, which are common provisions in professional sports contracts.
Major League Baseball’s independent investigation, conducted under its Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy, is still ongoing.
MLB had previously stated that it would await the conclusion of the Dominican Republic’s legal proceedings before issuing any formal disciplinary actions.
