Is Wander Franco Arrested? Why was Wander Franco Arrested? What did Wander Franco Do? Who is Wander Franco?
by Aishwarya R | Updated Jan 02, 2024
Is Wander Franco Arrested?
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was arrested in the Dominican Republic on Monday following an investigation into alleged inappropriate relationships with minors. The 22-year-old player had been summoned for a meeting with prosecutor Olga Diná Llaverías on December 28 but failed to appear.
After a three-hour interview on Monday, Franco, accompanied by two lawyers, was arrested for not attending the earlier requested meeting. While no formal criminal charges have been filed, at least two individuals have taken legal action against Franco, who has also been implicated in a third alleged relationship with a minor. Major League Baseball had placed him on paid administrative leave in August, and the Rays have yet to comment on the situation.
Wander Franco's arrest stems from his failure to attend a requested meeting with prosecutors investigating allegations of inappropriate relationships with minors in his native Dominican Republic. Despite not facing formal criminal charges, Franco has been implicated by at least two individuals, with an additional investigation into a third alleged relationship with a minor.
The 22-year-old was placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball in August, and the Rays, who supported the league's decision, have refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation. Franco, a rising star, had signed an 11-year, $182 million contract extension with the Rays in November 2021, 70 games into his MLB career.
Who is Wander Franco?
Wander Samuel Franco Aybar Sr., widely known as "El Patron," is a Dominican professional baseball player currently serving as the shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born with a notable baseball pedigree, Franco made his highly anticipated MLB debut in 2021, marking the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career. His exceptional skills and contributions to the game quickly earned him recognition, culminating in his All-Star selection in the year 2023.
Nicknamed "El Patron," a term that carries an air of respect and authority, Franco's journey in professional baseball is closely followed by fans and enthusiasts alike. As a key player for the Tampa Bay Rays, his dynamic presence on the field and achievements, including the prestigious All-Star title, solidify his position as one of the rising stars in MLB. Wander Franco's impactful contributions and the potential for further success make him a player to watch as he continues to leave his mark on the baseball landscape.
Specifications
Details
Name
Wander Samuel Franco Aybar Sr.
Gender
Male
Profession
Professional Baseball Player
Date of Birth
March 1, 2001
Place of Birth
Baní, Dominican Republic
Age
22
Parents
Wander Franco (Sr.) and Nancy Aybar
Siblings
Wander Alexander Franco and Wander Javier Franco
Marital Status
Married
Wife Name
Not Disclosed
Children
2 Sons
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Wander Franco Career
Wander Samuel Franco Aybar Sr., affectionately nicknamed "El Patron," began his journey to MLB stardom as one of the top international prospects in the 2017 class. Signing with the Tampa Bay Rays on July 2, 2017, Franco swiftly made his mark in the minor leagues. Notably, in 2018, at just 17 years old, he earned the title of the 2018 Appalachian League Player of the Year, hitting an impressive .374/.445/.636 with 11 home runs for the Princeton Rays. His talent was further recognized as he ranked as the fourth-best prospect in baseball by Baseball America before the 2019 season.
The 2020 season brought additional accolades, with Franco ascending to the coveted position of the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball. Despite the cancellation of the minor league season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Franco showcased his skills in the Dominican Winter League. His resilience and performance caught the attention of the Tampa Bay Rays, leading to an invitation to major league spring training in 2021.
Although he initially started the season with the Triple-A Durham Bulls, Franco's standout performance earned him a promotion to the majors on June 20, 2021. His MLB debut against the Boston Red Sox marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey, with Franco recording his first hit, home run, and RBI on the same day.
Franco's impact extended into the 2021 season, breaking records for consecutive games reaching base safely under the age of 21. His remarkable achievements didn't go unnoticed, culminating in an eleven-year, $182 million contract extension with the Rays in November 2021. However, the promising career faced a setback in 2023 when
Franco was placed on the restricted list and later on administrative leave due to investigations into an alleged relationship with a minor. As the MLB and specialized divisions conduct their investigations, Franco's status for the 2024 season remains uncertain, adding a complex chapter to the young player's burgeoning career.
Wander Franco Parents and Siblings
Wander Franco's deep connection to baseball is embedded in his family's rich lineage within the sport. His father, sharing the same name, laid the foundation for the Franco baseball legacy with his endeavors in minor league ball during the 1990s. This paternal influence likely played a pivotal role in shaping young Wander's early passion for the game.
On the maternal side, Wander Franco is part of a baseball dynasty through his mother, Nancy Aybar. Notably, Nancy is the sister of Erick Aybar and Willy Aybar, both prominent figures in Major League Baseball. The Aybar brothers left an indelible mark on the baseball landscape, contributing their skills to various MLB teams.
Extending the baseball legacy further, Wander Franco has siblings who also pursued careers in the sport. His brothers, Wander Alexander Franco and Wander Javier Franco, made their marks within the Houston Astros and San Francisco Giants organizations, respectively. The Franco family's extensive involvement in baseball across generations underscores the profound influence and love for the game that binds them together, creating a narrative of shared passion and accomplishments within the realm of professional baseball.
Wander Franco Wife and Children
While maintaining a low profile on his personal life, Wander Franco shared a glimpse into his marital status during an April 2022 interview with the Tampa Bay Times, confirming that he got married after the conclusion of the 2021 MLB season. Despite keeping his wife's name undisclosed, Franco acknowledged his commitment to family life.
In an earlier interview with ESPN in June 2019, Franco had briefly mentioned his mysterious better half, emphasizing his preference for privacy in the realm of relationships. The 22-year-old athlete has chosen to shield his family life from the public eye, evident in the absence of his wife's pictures on social media.
Wander Franco and his unidentified wife are parents to two sons. Their first child, Wander Samuel Franco Jr., was welcomed into the world in late 2018. Subsequently, another son joined the family in 2022. Despite the demands of his baseball career, Franco has acknowledged the challenges of being a present parent due to frequent travel and the necessity of staying in training camps. The couple's commitment to maintaining privacy while navigating the complexities of professional sports and family life adds an intriguing layer to Wander Franco's journey beyond the baseball diamond.
Wander Franco Net Worth
Wander Franco Net Worth is around $5 million. His primary source of income is derived from his professional baseball career in Major League Baseball (MLB). As the shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, Franco earns a significant salary as part of his contract with the team. His income includes a combination of base salary, performance bonuses, and any additional incentives negotiated as part of his contractual agreement with the Rays.
Additionally, endorsements and sponsorship deals with various brands within the sports industry may contribute to Wander Franco's overall income. Successful MLB players often attract endorsements, adding to their financial portfolio through partnerships with companies looking to align themselves with the athlete's image and popularity. Furthermore, Franco's involvement in promotional events, appearances, and autograph signings may serve as supplementary sources of income.
Why was Wander Franco Arrested?
Wander Franco was arrested for not showing up for a meeting with prosecutor Olga Diná Llaverías, who was investigating him for alleged inappropriate relationships with minors. His failure to attend the requested meeting led to his arrest under Dominican law. After a three-hour interview on Monday, Franco, accompanied by two lawyers, was arrested for not attending the earlier requested meeting.
What did Wander Franco Do?
Wander Franco is under investigation for alleged inappropriate relationships with minors in the Dominican Republic. While specific details about the accusations are not provided, at least two individuals have filed legal action against him. No criminal charges have been formally filed against Franco at this point. The 22-year-old was placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball in August, and the Rays, who supported the league's decision, have refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation.
Is Wander Franco Arrested - FAQs
Yes, Wander Franco, the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop, was arrested in his native Dominican Republic. He faced arrest after failing to attend a requested meeting with prosecutors investigating allegations of inappropriate relationships with minors.
Wander Franco was arrested for not showing up for a meeting with prosecutor Olga Diná Llaverías, who was investigating him for alleged inappropriate relationships with minors. His failure to attend the requested meeting led to his arrest under Dominican law.
Wander Franco is under investigation for alleged inappropriate relationships with minors in the Dominican Republic. While specific details about the accusations are not provided, at least two individuals have filed legal action against him. No criminal charges have been formally filed against Franco at this point.
Wander Franco is a 22-year-old professional baseball player who plays as the shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays in Major League Baseball (MLB). He is a highly regarded talent and was placed on paid administrative leave by MLB in August amid the investigation into allegations of inappropriate relationships with minors.
Wander Franco has been on paid administrative leave from Major League Baseball since August, and the Tampa Bay Rays have supported the league's decision. The team has not provided further comments on the situation. In November 2021, Franco and the Rays agreed on an 11-year, $182 million contract extension, highlighting his promising career in professional baseball.