TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA: Tampa Bay Rays' shortstop Wander Franco, 22, is under scrutiny following social media claims that he has engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
During Sunday's game against Cleveland, Franco was conspicuously absent from play during the team's 9-2 loss. The Rays acknowledged the posts and issued a statement indicating their awareness of the situation, stating that Major League Baseball (MLB) is now investigating.
The same allegations were echoed by the Tampa Bay Times.
Why is Wander Franco in trouble?
Franco was initially present in the dugout during Sunday's game but left during the fifth inning. Interestingly, he did not accompany the team on their flight to San Francisco for a forthcoming series against the Giants on Monday night, according to ESPN reports.
The Tampa Bay Rays have remained tight-lipped regarding the specific content of the social media posts. Notably, Franco's standing in the team has been substantial, as demonstrated by the $182 million, 11-year contract he signed in November 2021.
The deal, which includes a team option for 2033, could potentially be valued at $223 million.
Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Franco's baseball journey began at a young age when he left school in sixth grade to pursue the sport. He signed with the Rays at the age of 16.
A report from April 2022 in the Tampa Bay Times revealed Franco's marriage and impending fatherhood, as his wife awaited the arrival of their second child – a son. Franco already has a tattoo dedicated to his first son on his left arm, as per ESPN.
Who is Wanda Franco's wife?
Before he married her, Wander Franco was in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend. He is keeping his family life private. However, it is known that the two got hitched after the 2021 MLB season.
The couple has two sons. They welcomed their first child, Samuel Franco Jr, in late 2018 and another son in 2022. The athlete once said that because he travels so much and must stay in training camps, it is very difficult for him to be a present parent.
According to Wander, he once had to spend more than nine months away from his family and was able to communicate with his wife and their son only via FaceTime.
In an interview, he jokingly remarked that he must strike the ball because his children require a lot of milk. Franco is extremely appreciative of his family's steadfast support throughout his professional career.
Who are Wander Franco's brothers?
Wander Franco has two elder siblings, namely Wander Alexander Franco and Wander Javier Franco, along with a sister. Alexander and Javier were affiliated with the Houston Astros and San Francisco Giants respectively.
Alexander Franco holds a cumulative record of a .275 batting average coupled with 30 home runs. His playing career spanned across seven different teams, and he transitioned to free agency in 2018.
Javier Franco, on the other hand, boasts a career statistic of a .250 batting average, accompanied by 29 home runs and 176 RBI. He embarked on his professional journey in 2014 with the DSL Astros Blue.
Notably, Javier excelled in the Minor Leagues with a .298 batting average, and he earned the prestigious ALL-Star Award in 2018.
What is Wander Franco's net worth?
As of 2023, Wander Franco has amassed an estimated net worth of around $5 million, according to Sportskeeda. Despite his young age, the athlete has already secured substantial contracts and endorsement agreements.
In 2022, Franco received a base salary of $1 million, along with an additional signing bonus amounting to $5 million, resulting in total earnings of $6 million for that year.
On November 23, 2021, he finalized an 11-year contract extension with the Tampa Bay Rays, valued at $182 million, accompanied by a signing bonus of $5 million. This contractual arrangement translates to an average annual salary of $16,545,455.
In 2023, he is slated to receive a sum of $2 million. Additionally, in accordance with the terms of his contract, this figure is set to rise annually, guaranteeing a $182M payout in 11 years.
Who are Wander Franco's parents?
Wander Franco was born on March 1, 2001, in Baní, Dominican Republic, to Wander and Nancy Aybar. Currently, his parents reside in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
His father attended Liceo Francisco Gregorio Billini high school in Bani and was a former baseball player who participated in minor league baseball during the 1990s.
Wander's mother, Nancy, hails from Peraviam, Dominican Republic, and is the sibling of Erick Aybar and Willy Aybar, both of whom are former Major League Baseball players.
Franco's parents diligently nurtured his talents from a young age and have remained steadfast supporters throughout his journey. Their unwavering confidence in him has undeniably played a substantial role in his achievements.
