Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco’s major league career could be over.
“If the Tampa Bay shortstop is found guilty of the charges against him, he could be permanently banned from Major League Baseball,” global media outlet Marca reported on Monday (Aug. 18). “Franco is under investigation after recent revelations that he had a sexual relationship with a minor.”
Ector Gomez, a reporter with knowledge of Major League Baseball, spoke with someone familiar with Franco’s case. “It’s highly unlikely that Franco will ever play in the majors again,” he said, adding that the ongoing investigation could lead to direct charges against Franco.
Franco first played in the big leagues in June 2021. In 70 games, he hit .288 with seven home runs, 39 RBIs, 53 runs scored and a .810 OPS in 81 at-bats. Last season, he appeared in 83 games and hit .277 with six homers, 33 RBIs, 46 runs scored and a .745 OPS in 87 at-bats.카지노사이트
This season, he was Tampa Bay’s starting shortstop. In 112 games, he hit .281 with 17 doubles, 58 home runs, 65 RBIs, 65 runs scored, and a .819 OPS. However, he hasn’t played since March 13 against the Cleveland Indians due to an underage sex scandal. He was placed on the restricted list. He hasn’t played since the San Francisco Giants.
Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million contract with a one-year, $25 million club option after the 2021 season, but it’s looking increasingly likely that he will be released after just two seasons.
Franco had previously been disciplined by the team for work-ethic issues in June. He was accused of arguing with teammates and playing unfaithfully. This was followed by an investigation into a sex scandal involving a minor. The shortstop’s future in Tampa Bay is in jeopardy.