Dominican Court Grants Pardon to MLB’s Wander Franco

4 weeks ago 0

Former MLB All-Star Wander Franco will avoid prison despite his second conviction for sexual and psychological abuse of a minor. A judge in the Dominican Republic granted the 25-year-old a judicial pardon.

This decision overturned Franco’s earlier conviction from June 2025. Initially, he had received a two-year suspended sentence. Charges arose from a relationship with a 14-year-old girl starting in December 2022. At that time, Franco was 21 years old.

The court acknowledged Franco’s criminal responsibility. However, it also recognized that the girl’s mother orchestrated a scheme of extortion and blackmail.

Wander Franco of the Tampa Bay Rays — Wander Franco watches from the sidelines during a game against the Cleveland Guardians, August 2023. (Credit: Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

Prosecutors sought a five-year prison term, but the court imposed its harshest penalty on the girl’s mother. They found more than $100,000 in cash connected to her involvement with Franco.

The mother received a 10-year sentence for money laundering and commercial sexual exploitation. Prosecutors revealed that she treated her daughter as a commodity, extracting money from Franco.

While Franco avoided prison, his MLB career is likely over. He signed an 11-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021, valued at $182 million.

Wander Franco before a game — Wander Franco looks on before a game in June 2023. (Credit: Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Since August 2023, Franco hasn’t played in an MLB game after allegations surfaced on social media. MLB placed him on administrative leave, later moving him to its restricted list, halting his salary and service time.

Under U.S. immigration law, this case may qualify as a ‘crime involving moral turpitude.’ Immigration experts suggest Franco’s chances of securing a work visa to rejoin MLB are slim.

Wander Franco in court — Wander Franco during his trial in June 2025. (Credit: Luis Tavarez/AFP)

The Rays have significant financial leverage with about $160 million left on Franco’s contract. They are not obliged to pay him if he can’t obtain a visa or report to the team. The organization might try to void the remaining contract under morality clauses often found in sports contracts.

MLB’s investigation under its Domestic Violence Policy is ongoing. The league is awaiting the conclusion of legal proceedings in the Dominican Republic before making disciplinary decisions.