Wander Franco’s trial for his alleged involvement with a minor within the Domincan Republic has been postponed till June 2nd, 2025.
The trial had been slated to start earlier right this moment. The reported purpose for the postponement is that solely three of the 36 witnessed referred to as upon to testify within the case had been current within the courtroom. Among the many lacking witnesses, in accordance with Diario Libre, had been the medical and psychological personnel who examined the sufferer.
Franco is accused sexual involvement with a 14-year outdated woman within the Dominican Republic. He’s additionally dealing with costs associated to a gun-related altercation final month and is being charged with unlawful use and possession of a firearm.
In keeping with experiences, the trial is predicted to final anyplace from three to eight months.
When the allegations first emerged in August of 2023, the Rays positioned Franco on paid administrative depart. This previous July, a decide dominated that Franco’s case will proceed to trial, which allowed the Rays to position him on the restricted checklist, eradicating him from the 40-man roster and permitting the staff to withhold his wage.
Wander Franco had signed a 11-year, $182M contract with the Rays following the 2021 season. Franco acquired $1.4M in 2022 and $2.45M in 2023. Franco and the Rays negotiated an undisclosed quantity till he was changed on the restricted checklist in July. There’s roughly $173M remaining on Franco’s contract.
