Wander Franco, still technically a member of the Tampa Bay Rays organization, was arrested on Sunday in the Dominican Republic after an altercation "in the parking lot of an apartment complex in which guns were drawn," according to ESPN. He's expected to face charges of illegal use and possession of a firearm, prosecutors said Tuesday.
The MLB player told police that the Glock found in his car, along with a magazine and 15 rounds of ammunition, belongs to his uncle, according to ESPN.
The argument in a San Juan de la Maguana apartment complex parking lot reportedly came between Franco, an unidentified man and that man's father. No injuries were reported.
Franco, 23, is no stranger to legal problems. He's due to stand trial beginning on Dec. 12, the culmination of a lengthy investigation into the allegations he had a relationship with a then-14-year-old girl. Franco has been accused by Dominican authorities of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering, as well as illicit migrant smuggling and human trafficking. As part of Franco's bail agreement, he's not allowed to legally leave the Dominican Republic.
Major League Baseball placed Franco on administrative leave during the summer of 2023. He was subsequently placed on the restricted list, meaning that he doesn't receive pay or service time. Additionally, he doesn't occupy a space on the Rays' 40-player roster.
Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million pact with the Rays in November 2021. At the time, he appeared to be one of the best young players in baseball. Now, it's fair to write that baseball is the least of Franco's concerns.
