MLB Makes Determination on Status of Tampa Bay Rays' Star Wander Franco
As he continues to be embroiled in legal controversy stemming from an alleged relationship with a minor in the Dominican Republic, Tampa Bay Rays' star Wander Franco has been placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball through June 1.
As he continues to be embroiled in controversy, Tampa Bay Rays' star Wander Franco has been placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball through June 1. This also means that he's been removed from the Rays 40-man roster.
Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times had the information early on Thursday.
Wander Franco was taken off the Rays’ 40-man roster on Thursday and placed on administrative leave through June 1, the Tampa Bay Times has learned.
The decision was made in joint agreement by Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association.
Franco was placed on the restricted list last August after allegations surfaced of him having a relationship with a minor in the Dominican Republic. He missed the entire Rays playoff run and did not appear at spring training this year. He was arrested this offseason in the Dominican Republic and then released.
As we understand, Major League Baseball will not even make a determination on his future until the legal process plays out in his home country. As a result of the length of time this could take, there's a great chance that Franco's time on this list gets extended.
One of the best, young players in all of baseball, Franco made the All-Star team last season, hitting .281 with 17 homers and 30 stolen bases before being placed on leave.
The 23-year-old is a .282 career hitter who signed an 11-year contract worth $182 million before the 2022 season. If he is unable to fulfill the terms of his contract because of these legal issues, the Rays may be able to go after his contract at some point.
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