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Controversial Rays infielder Wander Franco posted a cryptic message ahead of his trial on June 2. The All-Star is facing the possibility of up to 20 years in jail on charges of human trafficking, sexual abuse, and sexual exploitation of a minor.
The trial was scheduled for Dec. 12, 2024, but was postponed and will be heard in a week's time. In a different case, the Rays shortstop also faces charges for illegal possession of a firearm after guns were drawn during an altercation in November.
In the post, Franco included a Bible verse from the book of Genesis in Spanish while showcasing his positive outlook.
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people."
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Franco, who was 21 years old in December 2022, allegedly had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl. He has not played since August 2023 and has been placed on MLB's restricted list since July 2024 without pay.
After a promising start to his career in 2021, Wander Franco was locked in for the long run with an unprecedented 11-year, $182 million extension.
MLB's staunch stance against sexual abuse and domestic violence ft. Wander Franco, Aroldis Chapman & Trevor Bauer
MLB's Joint Major League Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Policy was created in 2015 under the leadership of Commissioner Robert Manfred. Since then, 19 players have been given varying lengths of suspension by the league with the longest amounting to a total of 324 games at the time of implementation.
Manfred has the absolute power when it comes to implementing an administrative leave for a player that is under the investigation. The Commissioner also has the capability to hand out suspensions or reinstatements for the player involved.
Aroldis Chapman was the first to be struck down with the league's new policy when he was suspended on March 1, 2016 after allegations of domestic abuse by his girlfriend in December of the previous year. As he was in a pending deal to the Dodgers, the move was put on hold as the investigation commenced. He was suspended for 30 games for pulling a firearm during the scuffle.
The longest suspension ever given, meanwhile, was given to now-Yokohama DeNA BayStars pitcher Trevor Bauer with an initial length of 324 games. In June 2021, Bauer was placed on administrative leave after a San Diego woman came forward, accusing the then-Dodger of assault.
In April of the following year, Manfred announced the 324-game suspension of Bauer without pay for violating the joint policy. After the pitcher appealed it, the sentence was reduced to 194 games. However, he still has yet to return to MLB.
If and when Wander Franco is proven guilty during the trial for sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor, and human traficking, there is a high possibility that the Rays shortstop would be banned for life given that the charges are criminal by nature and would entail prison time.
