News for Wander Franco - 2023 Park Slope Rotisserie League

Show news on or before
Next
Tue Jan 3016:22Wander Franco Due Back In Court Next Week
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco will be back in a courtroom on Feb. 8, according to court officials in the Dominican Republic, this time to be present as a judge interviews the teenage girl at the center of the sexual-abuse probe that has indefinitely put Franco's baseball career on hold. Franco is accused of physical and sexual abuse and commercial sexual exploitation of a minor. According to prosecutors, Franco paid the girl's mother thousands of dollars in cash and other gifts in exchange for the mother's consent to engage in a sexual relationship with her daughter. At the time of the alleged relationship, Franco was 21 and the girl was 14. Another judge will decide whether Franco will face a trial, a process that could stretch into the summer. It's looking increasingly likely that Franco won't play at all in 2024, and his MLB career could be done entirely.
Source: The Athletic - Hogla Enecia PerezRotoBaller.com
Tue Jan 914:15Wander Franco Facing Lesser Charges In Dominican Republic
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is facing a lesser charge after a judge in the Dominican Republic analyzed evidence that alleges he had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl and paid her mother thousands of dollars for her consent. Franco was originally accused of commercial and sexual exploitation and money laundering, charges that carry up to 30 yards, 10 years and 20 years of prison respectively. He now stands accused of sexual and psychological abuse. He has not been formally accused, but if found guilty, he could face between two to five years in prison. Franco was released from jail on Monday but is required to meet with authorities once a month in the Dominican as the investigation continues, and he's unlikely to be allowed back into the U.S. anytime soon, which means he's unlikely to play for the Rays by Opening Day. There's a high probability the 22-year-old won't play major-league baseball again.
Source: The Associated PressRotoBaller.com
Tue Jan 913:06Wander Franco Likely To Be Banned From Entering U.S.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco will likely not be allowed to enter the United States while facing accusations of sexual abuse of a minor, an aggravated felony in his native Dominican Republic, according to two immigration attorneys who have worked with major-league teams and players. Based on this, Franco's presence at spring training and his availability for at least the start of the 2024 season appear to be in doubt, even before MLB considers any action amid their separate investigation. "Barring a full exoneration in this case, where it comes out that this was all made up, I don't see him very likely coming back anytime soon, if ever," said Javad Khazaeli, a former prosecutor for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The 22-year-old will most likely open the 2024 season on the restricted list and could have to forfeit the remaining $174 million left on his 11-year, $182 million he signed in November of 2021.
Source: The Athletic - Ken RosenthalRotoBaller.com
Thu Jan 422:08Wander Franco Officially Charged
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was officially charged with commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering following allegations that he had a relationship with a minor whose mother also faces the same charges in the Dominican Republic on Thursday after initially being arrested on Monday for failing to appear at a summons late last week. Franco will be under house arrest and prohibited from leaving the country and will be presented before a judge on Friday. The 22-year-old had a serious lapse in judgment and will face the consequences with most likely a lengthy suspension in 2024. Before his off-the-field incident, the five-tool player was quickly becoming a first-round fantasy asset with the ability to contribute elite numbers in all categories.
Source: ESPN Deportes - Juan Arturo RecioRotoBaller.com
Mon Jan 120:11Wander Franco Arrested In Dominican Republic
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was arrested in the Dominican Republic on Monday for no-showing at his meeting last Thursday with the prosecutor who is investigating him for alleged relationships with underaged girls, according to sources. The arrest was because Franco did not show up to his summons and not because there has been any type of progress in the investigation against him. The 22-year-old is also being investigated by Major League Baseball and could be given a lengthy suspension for the 2024 season, clouding his fantasy appeal for the upcoming campaign. Franco didn't play for the Rays after Aug. 12 due to the accusations against him. When he's on the field, he's one of the best fantasy and real-life shortstops in the game. Franco slashed .281/.344/.475 with an .819 OPS, 17 home runs, 58 RBI, 30 stolen bases and 65 runs scored in 442 at-bats in 2023.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff PassanRotoBaller.com
Wed Dec 27 202321:02Wander Franco To Be Questioned By Police Thursday
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been officially summoned by police in the Dominican Republic to appear for questioning on Thursday, according to sources. Franco is currently under investigation by police and Major League Baseball for alleged inappropriate relationships with minors. Allegations that Franco was in a relationship with a minor surfaced on social media in August, and he was placed on MLB's restricted list two days later on Aug. 12. The 22-year-old is set to enter the third year of an 11-year, $182 million deal with the Rays in 2024, but it remains to be seen if he'll even be allowed to play if he's suspended for a lengthy period of time by the league. There should be more clarity on Franco's situation before fantasy drafts in the spring, but right now his stock is plummeting fast.
Source: ESPN Deportes - Enrique RojasRotoBaller.com
Thu Nov 2 202314:07Wander Franco Reinstated To 40-Man Roster
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was reinstated to the team's 40-man roster in a procedural move on Thursday, but his status to return to the field remains unchanged and uncertain heading into the offseason. The 22-year-old remains under investigation by Major League Baseball following allegations of inappropriate relationships with minors, with the potential for a suspension looming. Franco is also being investigated by authorities in his native Dominican Republic. He has been on administrative leave since Aug. 22. Franco's replacement, Taylor Walls, had hip surgery recently and might not be ready for Opening Day in 2024, so the Rays have some issues at the position this offseason. Franco's fantasy value for 2024 remains up in the air until we have a better idea of how long he'll be suspended, if at all.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc TopkinRotoBaller.com
Wed Aug 30 202319:46Wander Franco Being Investigated For Second Complaint
A special prosecutor in the Dominican Republic is investigating a second formal complaint that Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco engaged in a relationship with a minor, which is the latest of three accusations against the 22-year-old, according to sources. The first complaint against Franco was filed on July 17. The third girl has not spoken to authorities and they are still investigating her alleged relationship with Franco. Prosecutors hope to speak with Franco, who is on administrative leave and is unlikely to play again in 2023, in the coming weeks. Major League Baseball often waits until a criminal investigation is finished to discipline players, but fantasy managers that roster Franco in dynasty/keeper leagues should expect some sort of lengthy suspension in 2024 as well.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff PassanRotoBaller.com
Tue Aug 22 202312:01Wander Franco Placed On Administrative Leave
Major League Baseball has placed Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco on administrative leave as the league and authorities in the Dominican Republic investigate Franco's alleged relationships with underaged girls, according to sources. The Rays had previously placed Franco on the restricted list. The 22-year-old isn't expected to return to the team for the rest of this season while the investigation continues, and he could be facing a lengthy suspension in 2024. If he has played his last game in 2023, he'll finish with a .281/.344/.475 slash line, .819 OPS, 17 home runs, 58 RBI, 30 stolen bases and 65 runs scored in 442 at-bats. Rookie Osleivis Basabe figures to continue seeing the majority of the starts for Tampa at shortstop moving forward.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff PassanRotoBaller.com
Mon Aug 21 202312:50Wander Franco Expected To Remain Sidelined
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is expected to remain sidelined through either an extension of his stay on the restricted list or a shift to administrative leave as Major League Baseball continues its investigation into Franco's alleged relationship with a minor. The 22-year-old was placed on the restricted list by the Rays last week, and it appears likely that he won't play again for at least the rest of the 2023 season. MLB is working with the authorities in the Dominican Republic, and there appears no end in sight to the investigation. For now, fantasy managers can only continue to stash Franco in hopes he'll return in September. In the meantime, Osleivis Basabe continues to start at the 6 for the Rays.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc TopkinRotoBaller.com
Thu Aug 17 202312:03Wander Franco Unlikely To Return Amid MLB Investigation
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is currently under investigation in the Dominican Republic for an alleged relationship with a minor, and now it seems he's unlikely to return to MLB. "It will be very unlikely that Franco will play in MLB again, judging by the results of the investigations that are currently being carried out, which directly commit him to the accusations against him," a person very close to the investigations said. The 22-year-old switch-hitter is currently on the league's restricted list, and fantasy managers shouldn't expect him back for the rest of this season while the investigation is carried out. For the foreseeable future, Osleivis Basabe is going to serve as Tampa's primary shortstop.
Source: Hector GomezRotoBaller.com
Mon Aug 14 202314:00Rays Place Wander Franco On Restricted List
The Tampa Bay Rays placed shortstop Wander Franco on the restricted list on Monday, which takes him off the roster, according to an MLB official. While he's off the roster, Franco will most likely be unpaid. The league has launched an investigation into social-media posts about Franco from Sunday that allege that he was with a minor. It's unclear how long Franco will be away from the team, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to play at all on the team's road trip this week. How long the 22-year-old remains sidelined will ultimately come down to MLB's investigation into the matter. Osleivis Basabe got the start at shortstop on Sunday for Tampa with the Rays giving Franco a rest day.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff PassanRotoBaller.com
Mon Aug 14 202312:01Wander Franco Not Traveling With The Team
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco did not travel with the team to San Francisco, where the Rays will start a series with the Giants on Monday, according to sources. The Rays earlier said that Major League Baseball is doing "due diligence" concerning social-media posts from Sunday about Franco being involved with a minor. The 22-year-old was also given the day off on Sunday. This is a situation to watch closely for fantasy managers of Franco, as he could be placed on the restricted list with no imminent timetable for a return. Franco made his first All-Star team in 2023 and is currently hitting .281/.344/.475 with an .819 OPS. He has already set career-highs in home runs (17), doubles (23), RBI (58), stolen bases (30) and runs scored (65) in 112 games this year.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff PassanRotoBaller.com
Sun Aug 13 202320:11MLB Looking Into Wander Franco Allegations
The Tampa Bay Rays released a statement on Sunday noting that the MLB is doing their due diligence regarding allegations surrounding shortstop Wander Franco. There were reports on social media that the 22-year-old reportedly had been involved in an inappropriate relationship with a minor. The Rays noted in a statement they were made aware of the situation and are taking it seriously. It sounds like the league is looking into the situation, so there should be more information on this soon.
Source: Hannah KeyserRotoBaller.com
Fri Aug 11 202321:51Wander Franco Has Big Night In Win
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco helped lead the Rays to victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Friday night, going 2-for-4 with a walk, a home run, and three RBI. Franco's homer was of the walk-off variety as the Rays won 9-8. The night led to Franco's 17th home run of the season and upped his on-base percentage to .346. With 30 steals and a .281 average, he'll continue to be a contributor in all categories the rest of the way.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Wed Aug 2 202322:01Wander Franco Blasts 14th Homer In Loss
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's 7-2 loss to the New York Yankees. The 22-year-old caught a Gerrit Cole changeup for a gargantuan two-run shot in the first inning. Franco wouldn't reach base for the rest of the game, but he ultimately contributed all the offense for his club in this one. MLB's former top prospect has exhibited newfound defensive wizardry this year, tying with Dansby Swanson for the most outs above average (13) in baseball. With that, Franco has also flourished offensively as a top-10 fantasy shortstop with a .267 BA, 14 round-trippers, 51 RBI, 29 stolen bases, and 58 runs scored over 409 at-bats this season.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Sat Jul 22 202302:34Wander Franco Continues To Scuffle At The Plate
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco went 0-for-4 with a pair of strikeouts in a 3-0 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday. The offense was at a premium in this one as Zach Eflin and Kyle Bradish were locked in a pitcher's duel. Franco, who is in the midst of a 2-for-17 slump, wasn't able to get anything going at the plate for his part. After a hot start in April and May, Franco started to slow down in June and has now gone ice cold in July. The 22-year-old is batting just .190 this month with a .601 OPS to go along with two home runs, four RBI, and a pair of stolen bases. Franco, who's played in 94 games so far this season, only appeared in 83 games last year after being limited by a wrist injury. Perhaps the young player has just hit a wall in what is his first full-length season in MLB. His overall batting line is still healthy, due to his hot start, as he's slashing .270/.333/.443 with 11 home runs, 44 RBI, and 28 stolen bases over 370 at-bats. Fantasy managers and the Rays, who are 4-12 in July, would very much like to see the young shortstop pick it up again soon.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Wed Jul 19 202312:30Wander Franco, Randy Arozarena Out Against Rangers
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco and outfielder Randy Arozarena are both out of the lineup on Wednesday against the Texas Rangers. Taylor Walls will man the 6 and bat eighth, while Luke Raley will start in left field and bat in the two-hole against Rangers right-hander Jon Gray. Franco and Arozarena are both fine and are just getting rest days. Franco has gone hitless in seven at-bats in his last two contests, but the 22-year-old remains an elite shortstop in fantasy. He's hitting just .188 (9-for-48) with two homers and four RBI in 13 games in July. Arozarena, like Franco, has been a must-start for fantasy managers in 2023 when he's on the field. The 28-year-old has been a bit sluggish as well in July, going 11-for-50 (.220) with two homers and four RBI in 13 games played.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc TopkinRotoBaller.com
Sat Jul 8 202310:14Wander Franco Launches 11th Homer In Loss
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 2-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves. The 22-year-old took Charlie Morton deep during the first inning, proving to be the only run the Rays would muster in this one. After something of a second-year slump, Franco has blossomed into a stellar five-category contributor in his third season. The 2023 All-Star is hitting .284 with 11 long balls, 44 RBI, 28 stolen bases, and 48 runs scored over 335 at-bats overall. Franco should be ranked as a premier fantasy shortstop in the strong Tampa Bay lineup for the rest of the season.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Sat Jun 24 202313:38Wander Franco Returns To The Lineup On Saturday
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is back in the lineup for Saturday's contest against the Kansas City Royals. The 22-year-old was benched by manager Kevin Cash for the last two games for immaturity, essentially. Apparently, he learned his lesson so he's back in there on Saturday, starting at shortstop and batting second against Jordan Lyles. Franco is putting together a solid season so far, slashing .287/.349/.455 with eight home runs, 34 RBI, and 24 stolen bases over 286 at-bats.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Next