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Former MLB Star Wander Franco Expected To Make Return To Baseball
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- Former MLB Star Wander Franco Expected To Make Return To Baseball
Wander Franco could play in an organized baseball game for the first time in three years.
Franco has been out of baseball since allegations surfaced of him having a relationship with a 14-year-old girl in August 2023. The Tampa Bay Rays shortstop was found guilty of sexual abuse of a minor for the second time in May. He avoided punishment after receiving a judicial pardon.
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On Thursday, the Dominican Baseball Federation confirmed plans to add Franco to its roster for a baseball tournament of the Central American and Caribbean Games. Via ESPN's Enrique Rojas , Franco's eligibility is unclear because he was not on the Dominican organization's preliminary roster.
Garibaldi Bautista, president of the Dominican Olympic Committee (COD), said Franco is unlikely to make the roster.
"The federation wants to use Wander Franco," said Juan Núñez, president of the Dominican Baseball Federation. "We will try, but we will abide by the final decision of the COD."
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More on Franco's case
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 11: Wander Franco #5 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates his two-run home run in the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox during Game 4 of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 11, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
A rising star, Franco appeared in his first All-Star Game shortly before his MLB career was halted.
Franco received two years of probation in his first trial in 2025. A panel again found him criminally responsible for sexual and psychological abuse in May but considered him a "material victim" of extortion and blackmail from the girl's mother, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for trafficking her daughter.
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The Rays placed Franco on the restricted list following his arrest in 2024. He hasn't been able to receive a visa to return to the United States due to the charges.
Following his May trial, Franco vowed to play in MLB again.
"I'll soon be back," Franco said. "In this process, I learned to never give up and to value family. Value your family, because they will always be there. I've always kept training thanks to my dad. I will continue training and waiting for God's decision."
This story was originally published by The Spun on Jul 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
