Judge rules that Wander Franco’s case can go to trial

Judge Pascual Valenzuela of the Dominican Republic has ruled against the charges Hike Franco have enough evidence to go to trial, according to ESPN’s Juan Arturo Recio. No date has yet been set for that process. Franco faces a possible prison sentence of 20 years.

In August 2023, DR investigators began looking into allegations that the Rays shortstop had had a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl. The age of consent in that country is 18 years. In July this year, Franco was formally charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of a minor, as well as human trafficking. He will now stand trial on these charges, in light of today’s verdict.

Major League Baseball placed Franco on administrative leave last August when the allegations first emerged, a standard procedure for players under investigation under its joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. He was procedurally reinstated for the offseason but was placed back on administrative leave as the 2024 campaign began.

Players on administrative leave are still getting paid, but Franco was moved to the restricted list in July. According to Recio’s report, his administrative leave agreement between MLB and the Players Association included a provision that his time on administrative leave would end if he was charged. Recio adds that Franco’s bail deal does not allow him to leave the country, so the Rays could move him to the restricted list because he cannot physically report to the club. A second formal complaint against Franco has also been reported, although the status of that case is less clear.