Disturbing allegations have begun to circulate regarding Tampa Bay Rays superstar Wander Franco.
Franco did not play in Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians and reportedly left the stadium before postgame clubhouse media availability.
He also was not on the team plane when the Rays departed for San Francisco where they are set to open a three-game series against the Giants.
According to reports, both the Rays and Major League Baseball have been made aware of allegations involving Franco having an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old minor.. An investigation into the validity of the accusations is reportedly ongoing.
MLB is looking into the social media posts and has yet to verify the information. This early in the process, without confirmed facts, Franco could be placed on the restricted list or administrative leave. The Rays, when asked about Franco not being on the plane, declined comment.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 14, 2023
It’s important to stress that as of now there is no concrete evidence that indicates the accusations are true.
Images of Franco and the alleged girl are circulating on social media.. Although details and validity of the photos are unconfirmed thus far.
Whoaaaa Wander Franco dating a 14 year old? pic.twitter.com/HBQ4Fd0WTE
— Jimm (@jimcclintock) August 14, 2023
The Rays released a statement regarding the situation.
“During today’s game, we were made aware of the social media posts that are circulating regarding Wander Franco. We take the situation seriously and are in close contact with Major League Baseball as it conducts its due diligence.”
a statement from the Tampa Bay Rays:
“During today’s game, we were made aware of the social media posts that are circulating regarding Wander Franco. We take the situation seriously and are in close contact with Major League Baseball as it conducts its due diligence.”
— Hannah Keyser (@HannahRKeyser) August 13, 2023
When Rays Manager Kevin Cash was asked why Franco was not in Sunday’s lineup, he stated that he simply had a “day off.”
Clearly, he wasn’t going to comment on anything further.
Rays Manager Kevin Cash says Wander Franco's day off was just a day off. No other reason for him not playing today. pic.twitter.com/UJfrVRknfY
— David Schiele WTSP (@Deacon_Schiele) August 13, 2023
According to reports, Franco sat in the Rays dugout until the fifth inning. At some point he apparently left the stadium and wasn’t in the clubhouse postgame.
Ironically, the Rays were having a Franco-themed snapback hat giveaway for kids 14 and under at the ballpark.
#RaysUp star Wander Franco has been accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a 14 year old minor. The allegations have been posted on Instagram. #TheHobby thoughts on this? pic.twitter.com/BpnbNHqO9Y
— The Hobby 24/7 (@TheHobby247) August 13, 2023
Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million extension with the Rays in November 2021.
A member of the American League All-Star team this season, Franco is currently batting .281 with 17 home runs and 58 RBI’s for the Rays who currently have a firm grip on an AL Wild Card spot.
Again, it’s worth repeating, an investigation is currently taking place, and as of now, allegations remain just that – allegations.
There is surely more to come from this story.. Stay tuned.