Tampa Bay Rays infielder Wander Franco’s father played minor league ball in the 1990s.
The trial of Rays shortstop Wander Samuel Franco is headed to closing arguments in the Dominican Republic on Monday, with the possibility of a verdict by the three-judge panel being announced.
Franco faces up to 30 years in prison if found guilty on charges of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a minor, and human trafficking stemming from a relationship with a then 14-year-old girl that started in December 2022.
As per the Dominican newspaper Diario Libre, Franco offered brief comments to reporters upon leaving the courtroom in Puerto Plata.
Franco’s attorneys submitted evidence that included a letter from the minor’s father withdrawing his complaint.
The mother of the minor also faces charges of sexual exploitation and money laundering, as she was alleged to have been paid by Franco to allow the relationship.
As per the source, the case is still unfolding, with Franco and the victim’s mother facing serious charges.
The next scheduled court date is August 14, 2025, in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Wander Franco Was Inspired By His Parents To Pursue His Career In Baseball
Born on March 1, 2001, Wander Samuel Franco Aybar, 24, was raised by his father, Wander Franco Sr., and his mother, Nancy Aybar.
Franco’s father was a decent baseball player who pitched in the Minors with the White Sox. His father inspired him to build his career in baseball.
Although Franco Sr. has stayed out of the media spotlight, he has always supported and cheered for his son.
On the other hand, Franco’s mother, Nancy Aybar, is the sister of Erick Aybar, a Dominican former professional baseball shortstop.
Nancy came under legal scrutiny due to her alleged involvement in financial transactions connected to the criminal case against her son, Franco.
As per documents, prosecutors claimed that Franco used his mother, Nancy, to funnel money, specifically around $1 million.
Franco’s mother reportedly deposited the money into an account belonging to the victim’s mother.
Wander Franco’s Two Brothers Played Baseball In The Houston Astros
Wander Franco grew up playing baseball with his two brothers, Wander Alexander Franco and Wander Javier Franco.
Wander Javier Franco, 30, was born on December 13, 1994, in the Dominican Republic.
He played as a shortstop for the Houston Astros and the San Francisco Giants Organization.
His second brother, Wander Alexander Franco, also played in the Minors in the Astros’ and the Giants’ farm systems.
Although they have avoided the media spotlight, they have always supported Wander Franco.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Wander Samuel Franco represented the Dominican Republic in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. With Willy Adames and Jeremy Pena at shortstop, he instead played second base, splitting time with Ketel Marte.
- Franco married his girlfriend after the 2021 MLB season. The pair has two sons: Wander Samuel Franco Jr., born in late 2018, and another son, born in 2022.
- He was ranked as one of the top international prospects in the 2017 international class. He signed with the Tampa Bay Rays organization on July 2, 2017, for a signing bonus of $3.85 million.
- Franco made his professional debut in 2018 with the Princeton Rays. On July 14, 2018, he hit for the cycle while playing for Princeton.
