It’s a super-fast downfall for a super-prospect. Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Wander Franco has been formally charged with a sex offense against a minor.

Wander Franco, 23, has been charged with sex offenses against a minor, according to local media outlets in the Dominican Republic, including ESPN.

Franco was investigated in August 2023 after news of his inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old underage girl surfaced on social media and he was accused. The Major League Baseball office placed Franco on administrative leave after he was caught up in an underage sex scandal. But it wasn’t just a sex scandal.

According to ESPN, prosecutors in the Dominican Republic charged Franco with sexual abuse and exploitation and human trafficking. The charges are punishable by up to 20 years in prison. ‘According to a 600-page document summarizing evidence prosecutors gathered during a more than six-month investigation, Franco began a relationship with a 14-year-old girl when he was 21,’ the media outlet said. Prosecutors alleged that Franco paid the girl’s mother $1,700 a month and gave her a new car. Dominican Republic prosecutors have also charged the mother with money laundering,” it added.

‘ESPN’ also reported that ‘sources say Franco has been placed on the restricted list’.

“The administrative leave, which is part of an agreement between the secretariat and the players’ union, will allow him to receive his salary. However, 카지노사이트 추천 it includes a clause that would end if the player is indicted. The Tampa Bay organization requested that Franco be placed on the restricted list. While he is on the restricted list, he will not be paid and will not receive service time,” the organization explained.

Franco signed an international amateur contract with Tampa Bay in 2017 at the age of 16 and rose through the ranks, making his major league debut in 2021 at age 20. Considered an ultra-athletic shortstop prospect in the minors for his athleticism, vision, and defense, including his ability to make power and contact, Franco broke out in his rookie season, batting .281 (81-for-281) with seven home runs, 39 RBIs, and an .810 OPS in 70 games.

After the 2021 season, Tampa Bay signed Franco to a massive 11-year, $182 million (25.13 billion won) contract. The “small-market” Tampa Bay organization was thrilled with Franco after watching him play just 70 games in his rookie season, but the contract threatened to turn into one of the worst deals of his career when he was embroiled in a sex scandal.