Tampa Bay Rays’ Wander Franco Arrested in Dominican Republic After Altercation

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was arrested on Monday, November 11, in the Dominican Republic following an altercation that occurred on Sunday. The incident took place in the parking lot of an apartment complex in San Juan de la Maguana, approximately 100 miles west of Santo Domingo. According to police sources, guns were drawn during the altercation[1][3].

Franco, along with an unnamed woman, is being held for questioning in connection with the incident. This arrest comes as Franco is already facing serious legal issues in the Dominican Republic. He is set to stand trial on December 12 for charges including sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking, which could result in a sentence of up to 20 years[1][3].

Franco was placed on Major League Baseball‘s restricted list in July after prosecutors in the Dominican Republic accused him of an alleged sexual relationship with a then-14-year-old girl. He is also under an MLB investigation under its domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy until the case is resolved. As part of his bail agreement, Franco is not allowed to leave the Dominican Republic but is free to travel within the country[1][4].

The Tampa Bay Rays had given Franco an 11-year, $182 million contract extension in 2021, just 70 games into his major league career. He made his first All-Star appearance in 2023. The ongoing legal issues have significant implications for his career and personal life[1][5]).