It doesn't look like the Tampa Bay Rays will be having superstar shortstop Wander Franco any time soon - if they ever have him again at all.
Franco, who was arrested this offseason in the Dominican Republic, is still facing a charge relating to an alleged relationship with a minor. Doubts have surfaced about his ability to even travel to the United States, and doubts have surfaced about his ability to play in the majors ever again.
Per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times on social media:
Wander Franco posted on IG Wednesday. No updates on status. He’s expected to be moved off #Rays 40-man roster by Opening Day, and placed on either restricted list or administrative leave.
Franco was put on the MLBs restricted list back in August of 2023 and missed the Rays' playoff run because of these allegations. He had been put on the 40-man roster at the end of the season in a procedural move.
Tampa Bay invested the biggest contract in franchise history in Franco, giving him an 11-year deal in 2021.
The 23-year-old made his debut in 2021 and owns a lifetime .282 average over three seasons. He made the All-Star team in 2023 and hit .281 for the Rays, who won 99 games. He also had 17 homers, 58 RBI and 30 stolen bases.
His contract was for $182 million but is also now completely up in the air depending on his situation.
In his absence this year, the Rays have acquired infielders Jose Caballero and Amed Rosario.
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