Former MLB Star Wander Franco Found Guilty in Abuse Case, Judge Grants Pardon Sparking Backlash

Wander Franco, who was once one of baseball’s top young stars, was found guilty on May 25 of s------ and psychological abuse of a minor in the Dominican Republic. However, the former Tampa Bay Rays shortstop will not serve prison time after a judge granted him a judicial pardon.

The ruling came after a court found that Franco was also the victim of extortion tied to the case. The conviction and sentence will remain on his criminal record despite the pardon.

Franco, 25, had previously been convicted in June 2025 and given a two-year suspended sentence. An appeals court later overturned that ruling and ordered a new trial before a different panel of judges. Final sentencing details are scheduled to be announced on June 16.

“When we have the full sentence in hand, we will give you more details,” Franco’s lawyer, Teodosio Jáquez said to The Associated Press. “He was exempted from punishment, and we think that’s fine, but we need to have the sentence in hand.”

Thousands of social media users also shared their opinions on the latest update on Franco’s case. One user on X wrote, “It's amazing how the rich and famous get to avoid jail time for being s----- predators. This is not justice.”

Major League Baseball said it is preparing to continue its own investigation into Franco under the league’s Joint Domestic Violence, S----- Assault and Child Abuse Policy.

“We are aware of today’s verdict in the Wander Franco trial and will conclude our investigation at the appropriate time,” MLB said in a statement.

However, a criminal conviction is not required for discipline under the policy. Franco could still face a lengthy suspension. The longest punishment handed down under the policy was Trevor Bauer’s 324-game suspension in 2022 after several women accused him of s----- abuse. The ban was later reduced to 194 games on appeal.

Franco has not played for Tampa Bay since Aug. 12, 2023. He remained on administrative leave until July 10, 2024, when formal charges were filed. Later, he was moved to MLB’s restricted list, and while being on the restricted list, Franco has not received pay or service time.

Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million contract extension with the Rays in November 2021. He was considered one of baseball’s brightest rising players after finishing third in American League Rookie of the Year voting in 2021 despite playing only 70 games. He was named an All-Star in 2022.

Prosecutors filed about 600 pages of evidence in January 2024, alleging Franco had a four-month relationship with a 14-year-old girl. Prosecutors also accused him of giving the girl’s mother cash and a car in exchange for her approval of the relationship.

The girl’s mother was later sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Now that Franco had received a judicial pardon, he thanked his fans and family for their support. “With faith in God, we’re going back up again. We never give up, we never give up, and always family. Value your family, because they’ll always be there,” Franco said.