The sex abuse trial of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, originally slated for Thursday, January 25, 2025, has been postponed until June 2, 2025, due to the absence of a significant number of witnesses. Franco faces serious charges, including sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation of a minor, and human trafficking. Dominican Judge Yacaira Veras granted the prosecution’s request for postponement after only three of the expected 31 witnesses appeared in court. This delay throws Franco’s future in Major League Baseball into further uncertainty, as he was placed on the restricted list by the Rays in July 2024, halting his pay.
Franco’s legal team expressed their displeasure with the postponement, arguing that Franco needs to report to spring training in mid-February and emphasizing their belief that there is no case against their client. They contend that regardless of the number of witnesses presented, the evidence is insufficient to support the charges. However, Judge Veras maintained the postponement, upholding Franco’s obligation to adhere to the trial schedule and the conditions of his release. Franco, while expressing frustration about the situation, maintained his innocence and asserted that his career is not over, placing his faith in the judicial process.
The allegations against Franco first surfaced in 2024, prompting the Tampa Bay Rays to remove his images from Tropicana Field and halt the sale of his merchandise. Franco, who signed a lucrative 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays in November 2021 and achieved All-Star status in 2023, now faces a lengthy legal battle that could significantly impact his career trajectory. The charges stem from an alleged relationship with a minor, now 15, which reportedly began in December 2022.
Detailed allegations presented by Dominican prosecutors paint a disturbing picture of the alleged relationship. Prosecutors claim Franco admitted the relationship in WhatsApp messages, referring to the minor as “my girl” and acknowledging the risks involved while expressing his affection. They allege the relationship lasted four months and involved financial transactions aimed at silencing the minor. The accusations also implicate the minor’s mother, who is facing money laundering charges related to gifts allegedly received from Franco.
The prosecution alleges that Franco paid the minor the equivalent of $46,000 between July and August 2024 and provided her mother with approximately $1,700 per month, along with a new car. This financial support, according to prosecutors, led to a drastic change in the mother’s lifestyle and acquisition of assets. During raids on the mother’s home, authorities reportedly seized substantial sums of money alleged to have been provided by Franco.
This case represents a serious legal challenge for Franco, with significant implications for his baseball career. The postponement of the trial, while frustrating for both sides, underscores the complexity of the legal proceedings and the importance of securing the presence of all key witnesses. As the trial date in June 2025 approaches, the focus will be on the testimony of the witnesses and the presentation of evidence, which will ultimately determine the outcome of this case.
