PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic — Suspended Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was convicted of sexually abusing a child and handed a two-year suspended sentence Thursday.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, left, reacts after hearing his sentence during his trial on charges of sexual abuse of a minor, in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Thursday, June 26, 2025.

Rays shortstop Wander Franco’s conviction of sexual abuse of a minor was formalized Thursday in the Dominican Republic, per several published reports. Franco, 24, was found guilty on June 26 and ...

The Tampa Bay Rays didn’t panic when their season started slow. And they certainly didn’t panic when Wander Franco’s once-bright career turned dark.

Wander Franco’s legal team will appeal the June verdict that found the Rays All-Star shortstop guilty of sexually abusing a minor and threatens to end his major-league career, his lawyer said Friday.