Major League Baseball and the players' association have extended Wander Franco's administrative leave through July 14. The Tampa Bay All-Star shortstop has been sidelined since August 12 as MLB investigates an alleged relationship with a minor. Administrative leave, in this case, is not a disciplinary action under the sport’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy, and Franco continues to receive his salary. He has been in his native Dominican Republic while local authorities conduct their investigation.
Franco was initially placed on the restricted list on August 14 following social media posts hinting at his involvement with a minor. MLB began its investigation at that time. He was then moved to administrative leave on August 22 and has remained there since. There is no leave during the offseason, and Franco resumed leave on opening day as part of an agreement through June 1.
MLB is expected to wait for the conclusion of the Dominican investigation before making any decisions regarding potential discipline. Originally facing serious charges such as commercial and sexual exploitation and money laundering, Franco now stands accused of sexual and psychological abuse, according to a judge’s resolution obtained by the AP in January. While not formally charged, if found guilty of the new accusations, he could face a prison sentence of two to five years.
At 23 years old, Franco was in the midst of his third major league season when his career was put on hold. He had been performing well, boasting a .281 batting average with 17 home runs, 58 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases in 40 attempts over 112 games. Franco signed a lucrative $182 million, 11-year contract in November 2021.
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