The preliminary trial for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who faces charges of sexual abuse, exploitation of a minor, and human trafficking, has been postponed. Originally set for Wednesday, the trial has been rescheduled to September 26, according to the *Tampa Bay Times*.
The defense requested the delay due to incomplete evidence, while the minor’s mother also sought a postponement for her trial. Additionally, *Listin Diario*, a Dominican newspaper, reported that the minor’s father might request the charges against Franco be dismissed, with his lawyer also planning to seek the case’s dismissal.
Franco, 23, has not played in the majors since August 12 of last year. Major League Baseball placed him on administrative leave following the social media emergence of these allegations. This leave means Franco is not receiving pay while his legal situation unfolds. He still has over $170 million remaining on his nine-year contract.
In the Dominican Republic, a preliminary trial is required to determine if a case should proceed to a full trial. If Franco is tried and found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
The primary allegation against Franco involves a relationship with a 14-year-old girl when he was 21. He allegedly gave cash and gifts to the minor’s family to gain “consent.” Authorities reportedly found cash, cars, and banknotes at the minor’s mother’s home in the Dominican Republic, believed to be gifts from Franco. Despite Franco’s mother’s involvement in wiring money to the minor’s mother, she is not implicated in the charges.
Given the severity of these allegations and the legal battles ahead, it is unlikely Franco will ever return to Major League Baseball. The Rays have already moved to replace him in both their lineup and defense.
On the field, the Rays have struggled since Franco’s departure, culminating in a sweep by the Texas Rangers in the American League Wild Card series. This season, they have brought in Amed Rosario to cover the infield gap. However, the team currently sits six games out of playoff contention with a 59-60 record.
Jose Caballero has taken on most of the shortstop duties since Rosario’s trade but has struggled, batting .238 with an OPS+ of 89 this season. In contrast, Franco had a .281 average and a 127 OPS+ before leaving the team. The Rays will need better performance from Caballero if Franco never returns to the team.
