USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco Has Arraignment in Dominican Republic Delayed

Originally posted on FanNation Fastball | By Brady Farkas | Last updated 1/3/24

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is now set to be arraigned on Friday in the Dominican Republic. He had been scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday.

After being summoned and after failing to show up, Franco had been arrested in the Dominican on Monday.

Per Enrique Rojas of ESPN:

La presentación de Wander Franco ante un juez fue aplazada para el viernes a las 9 am de RD (8 am ET).

Fue hoy que el ministerio público depositó su petición de medida de coerción.

When translated on "X," it says this:

Wander Franco's appearance before a judge was postponed to Friday at 9 am RD (8 am ET). It was today that the public ministry filed its request for a coercive measure.

La presentación de Wander Franco ante un juez fue aplazada para el viernes a las 9 am de RD (8 am ET).

Fue hoy que el ministerio público depositó su petición de medida de coerción.
— Enrique Rojas/ESPN (@Enrique_Rojas1) January 3, 2024

This is the latest twist in the saga surrounding Franco, who was put on MLB's restricted list August while the league begun an investigation into claims that he had inappropriate relationships with minors. Franco missed the Rays' playoff run, which saw them get eliminated in the wild card round by the Texas Rangers.

It's also the continuation of stunning fall for Franco, who has gone from one of the best young players in baseball to a guy who may possibly never play again.

There's certainly more at play than baseball here, but from a baseball perspective, this whole story is a terrible development for the Rays.

Tampa Bay invested the biggest contract in franchise history in Franco, giving him an 11-year deal in 2021. If he's unable to play for all or part of the 2024 season, the team's chances of competing in the loaded American League East certainly goes down.

The 22-year-old made his debut in 2021 and owns a lifetime .282 average over three seasons. He made the All-Star team in 2023 and hit .281 for the Rays, who won 99 games. He also had 17 homers, 58 RBI and 30 stolen bases.

His contract was for $182 million.

This article first appeared on FanNation Fastball and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: