Franco Cut from LIDOM Team Amid Abuse Investigation
Former Tampa Bay Rays All-Star shortstop Wander Franco's baseball career has hit another roadblock. In May, a Dominican judge declared Franco criminally responsible for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor but granted him a judicial pardon that spared him from serving prison time.
The decision did not clear Franco's path back to professional baseball, however, as he was cut by his new team in the Dominican Winter League (LIDOM) on August 30. Leones del Escogido general manager Carlos Pena said the release was part of a roster evaluation and reserve reduction process ahead of the league's draft.
Earlier this year, Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays in 2021, but his career has been on hold since authorities began investigating allegations involving a minor in January 2024. The MLB placed him on the restricted list in 2024 and continues to review the case under its domestic violence policy.
With this latest setback, Franco's baseball future remains uncertain. He had appeared set to play in the LIDOM season but is now without a team.