• Loading stock data...
Thursday, July 17, 2025

Criminal Charges Mean No Pay for Wander Franco

Franco, who hasn’t played for the Rays since last year, was still receiving payments on his 11-year, $182 million contract.

Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The Rays put Wander Franco on the restricted list Wednesday. It’s a bureaucratic move with major implications: The shortstop will no longer be getting paid or receiving major league service time.

Franco had been away from baseball while authorities in the Dominican Republic investigated social media allegations that he had sexually abused and human trafficked a 14-year-old girl.

Under the terms of an agreement between Franco, the Rays, MLB, and its players’ union, Franco had been getting paid while the investigation was ongoing. He had signed an 11-year, $182 million contract in 2021.

On Tuesday, authorities in the Dominican Republic announced three charges against Franco, including sexual abuse and human trafficking. The girl’s mother was also charged with money laundering and human trafficking. Prosecutors allege that Franco was paying the girl’s mother for the four months when he abused her teenage daughter.

Franco was technically moved to the restricted list due to his inability to report to the Rays, according to ESPN. The terms of his bail bar him from leaving the Dominican Republic.

Tampa Bay immediately stopped payment on Franco’s $182 million contract, according to UPI. He had been receiving 50% of his base salary while on administrative leave, according to the Associated Press; that base was only $2.4 million this year before large increases were scheduled for 2025 and ’26.

The move from administrative leave to the restricted list is procedural and not disciplinary, according to several reports.

Franco’s trial begins in August; he is facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted. He left the Rays in August of last year after several young girls posted on social media that Franco had inappropriate relationships with them and authorities began investigating. He has not played since Aug. 12, 2023.

MLB and Tampa Bay said they were aware of the charges but had little to add while the case plays out in court. Rays manager Kevin Cash called the news “serious” and “very concerning.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 21, 2024; Ayrshire, SCT; Xander Schauffele celebrates with Claret Jug after winning the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.

The Boozy History and Traditions of The Open’s Claret Jug

The Open awards the world’s most famous wine decanter.
Jul 15, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; National League designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a home run in the swing off of after the 2025 MLB All Star Game ended in a tie at Truist Park.

MLB All-Star Game Viewership Dips Despite Historic Swing-Off

Game viewership falls 3% despite late dramatics in the unique tiebreaker.
exclusive

Tennis Hall of Fame Rejects Bill Ackman’s $10M Gift

The Hall of Fame said it wants to avoid “any perception of impropriety.”
Mar 31, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket against Washington Wizards guard AJ Johnson (5) during the first quarter at Capital One Arena.

Terry Rozier’s Attorney Confirms He’s Still Under Federal Gambling Probe

Rozier finished the season playing for the Heat despite the federal probe.

Featured Today

2025 PDC World Darts Championship Final - Luke Littler vs Michael Van Gerwen

A Teen Darts Prodigy Is Becoming Bigger Than the Game Itself

Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler is cashing in on his devastatingly accurate shot.
May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive
July 13, 2025

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Apr 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts during the first half against the Golden State Warriors at Footprint Center.

Bradley Beal Agrees to Suns Buyout, Will Join Clippers

Beal is the latest star player to leave Phoenix behind Kevin Durant.
Caitlin Clark
July 15, 2025

Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu to Face Off in WNBA 3-Point Contest

Clark did not participate last year.
Wyndham Clark
July 16, 2025

Oakmont Bans Golfer Wyndham Clark After Locker Room Rampage

He’ll have to donate and seek treatment to get reinstated.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith (65) against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
July 15, 2025

Trey Smith, Chiefs Reach Record Deal Before Franchise Tag Deadline

Smith was taken by the Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2021 Draft.
July 14, 2025

Raleigh Dumps Competition in HR Derby to Win $1M Prize

“Big Dumper” barely gets into the semifinals before ultimately winning the competition.
exclusive
July 14, 2025

Cal Raleigh’s $11M Season a Steal As He Slugs His Way Into..

The Mariners star considers himself an everyday guy, while his play isn’t.
Phillies
July 14, 2025

Replacements Have MLB at Whopping 80 All-Stars

Players have criticized the replacement process as a popularity contest.