SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – Suspended Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was detained by police on Tuesday and subsequently admitted to a private mental health clinic in his hometown of Baní, Dominican Republic. The move came at the request of his family, who expressed concerns about his well-being. Authorities have clarified that Franco’s admittance is not linked to any new legal issues.
The development marks another significant turn in the troubled career of the 24-year-old athlete, whose future in Major League Baseball remains highly uncertain.
Family Seeks Assistance for Franco’s Well-being
Colonel Diego Pesqueira, a police spokesman, confirmed that law enforcement responded to a request from Franco’s family. Pesqueira stated that Franco was detained and taken to the clinic peacefully to “safeguard the young man’s safety” and emphasized that the priority is the player’s recovery. Reports indicate that Franco was medicated before being transferred to the facility.
A Series of Legal Troubles and Controversies
Franco’s admission to the mental health clinic follows a tumultuous period characterized by significant legal challenges and a suspension from Major League Baseball.
Conviction for Sexual Abuse of a Minor
In June of this year, Franco was found guilty of sexually abusing a minor and received a two-year suspended sentence. The conviction stemmed from allegations that first surfaced in August 2023, concerning a relationship with a then-14-year-old girl when Franco was 21. This legal outcome has cast serious doubt on his ability to secure a U.S. work visa, a critical requirement for resuming his MLB career.
Pending Charges for Illegal Gun Possession
Beyond the sexual abuse conviction, Franco also faces pending charges for illegal gun possession. This charge arose from an altercation in November 2024, during which police reportedly found a semi-automatic Glock 19 in his vehicle, registered to his uncle.
Recent Disagreement Over Stolen Money
Adding to the recent string of incidents, Franco took to social media last weekend to claim that $16,000 had been stolen from him at a resort where he was staying. While his attorney, Teodosio Jáquez, initially stated the money was recovered and the incident was a misunderstanding, Franco publicly rejected this account, insisting the money was stolen and stating Jáquez no longer represented him.
Impact on MLB Career and Future
Wander Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays in November 2021, a deal that positioned him as a cornerstone of the franchise. However, his career was abruptly interrupted in August 2023 when the investigations began. The Rays placed him on administrative leave and later on the restricted list, which halted his pay.
Despite the ongoing legal battles and his current situation, Franco has reportedly continued training, expressing a desire to return to Major League Baseball. However, with the conviction for sexual abuse and other pending charges, coupled with the latest admission to a mental health clinic, his path back to professional baseball remains exceedingly complex and uncertain. Major League Baseball’s own investigation into Franco under its domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy also remains active, potentially leading to further discipline.
