Wander Franco

Rays SS Wander Franco has been placed on administrative leave and is off the team’s 40-man roster.

Fantasy Impact

Franco’s leave is currently through June 1, but his status could change based on the court proceedings in the Dominican Republic. The MLB and MLBPA will meet again closer to the current end date and determine the next steps in Franco’s status.

According to legal experts, Wander Franco will most likely be barred from entering the United States while his legal case is active in the Dominican Republic.

Fantasy Impact

Franco had initially been charged with alleged commercial and sexual exploitation as well as money laundering, but the charges have been lessened to alleged sexual and psychological abuse. However, the U.S. government can revoke his visa on the grounds that he could be considered a threat to public safety based on the charges. Major League Baseball is also investigating Franco but is not expected to issue a ruling until the Dominican Republic court process is completed. The Rays will be forced to put Franco on the restricted list if he cannot enter the U.S. before Opening Day. Fantasy managers should plan to be without Franco for 2024.

Major League Baseball has placed Rays shortstop Wander Franco on administrative leave as he remains under investigation for alleged relationships with minors.

Fantasy Impact

Franco is placed on administrative leave after spending time on the restricted list over the last week. He can remain on administrative leave for seven days while being paid and accruing service time before the league has to decide either to remove him from the leave for extend it, with MLBPA permission. Fantasy managers likely shouldn't expect Franco back in their lineup anytime soon.

The Rays and Wander Franco have mutually agreed that Franco will go on the Restricted List for the Rays’ current road trip.

Fantasy Impact

It was announced late Sunday that Franco would not travel with the Rays to San Francisco as MLB began doing “due diligence” into social media posts that surfaced Sunday. Franco will likely remain on the Restricted List until MLB concludes an investigation. Fantasy managers will need to find a replacement for the foreseeable future.

Wander Franco is not traveling with the Rays for their upcoming series against the Giants. The Rays have stated that MLB is doing "due diligence" concerning social media posts from Sunday.

Fantasy Impact

At this point, MLB has been unable to verify the information contained in the social media posts. There is the possibility that Franco can end up on the restricted list or be placed on administrative leave while the investigation takes place. The Rays are declining comment at this time. Fantasy managers will need a backup plan for the foreseeable future until more information comes to light on the situation. Osleivis Basabe was called up to take Franco's place on Sunday, but it remains to be seen who will receive playing time going forward.