Dominican baseball player Wander Franco has once again been placed on administrative leave amidst an investigation into an alleged relationship with a minor. The Tampa Bay Rays All-Star shortstop will remain on leave until June 1, under an agreement between Major League Baseball and the players’ association.
The administrative leave is non-disciplinary and Franco will continue to receive his salary of $2 million for this year. He has been in his native Dominican Republic while authorities conduct their investigation and did not report to spring training.
Franco has not played since August 12, when social media posts raised concerns about his relationship with a minor. MLB launched an investigation and placed him on the restricted list on August 14. He was then placed on administrative leave on August 22 until the end of the season.
While originally facing charges related to exploitation and money laundering, Franco is now accused of sexual and psychological abuse, according to a judge’s ruling obtained by The Associated Press in January. Although he has not been formally charged, if convicted of the new charges, he could face between two and five years in prison.
The 23-year-old Franco was in the midst of his third major league season, hitting .281 with 17 home runs, 58 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases in 40 attempts in 112 games. He signed an 11-year, $182 million contract in November 2021.
MLB will likely wait for the conclusion of the Dominican investigation before determining any disciplinary action against Franco. The league and the union had to make a decision on his roster status as the Rays are set to open their season against Toronto on Thursday.