Wander Samuel Franco Aybar, a Dominican professional baseball shortstop nicknamed "El Patron," plays for the Tampa Bay Rays in MLB. He debuted in 2021 and became an All-Star in 2023. In August 2023, Franco was placed on administrative leave following allegations of relationships with underage girls in the Dominican Republic, triggering an investigation.
Prosecutors are seeking a five-year prison term for Wander Franco. The Tampa Bay Rays player's trial is heading to closing arguments. The case has garnered significant attention.
In 1961, Wander Franco reached base safely for the 26th consecutive game, setting a record for the longest run by a player under 21 years old.
On March 1, 2001, Wander Samuel Franco Aybar, later nicknamed "El Patron," was born. He would become a professional baseball shortstop.
On July 2, 2017, Wander Franco signed with the Tampa Bay Rays organization for a signing bonus of $3.85 million.
On July 14, 2018, while playing for the Princeton Rays, Wander Franco hit for the cycle.
In late 2018, Wander Franco and his girlfriend had their first son, Wander Samuel Franco Jr.
In 2019, Ronald Acuña Jr. signed an eight-year, $100 million contract extension, becoming the record holder until Wander Franco surpassed that record in 2021.
Prior to the 2019 season, Wander Franco was ranked as the fourth best prospect in baseball by Baseball America. During 2019 he was promoted to the Charlotte Stone Crabs and was also named to the All-Star Futures Game.
Prior to the 2020 season, Wander Franco was ranked the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball. In 2020, the Rays added Franco to their pool of players who would be eligible to play in the Major League Baseball postseason, but he did not appear in an MLB game.
On June 20, 2021, the Rays announced that Wander Franco would be promoted to the major leagues, prior to the team’s series against the Boston Red Sox.
On September 30, 2021, Wander Franco's streak ended at 43 consecutive games reaching base, tying him with Frank Robinson.
On November 23, 2021, Wander Franco and the Rays agreed to an eleven-year, $182 million contract extension, with a club option of $25 million for a twelfth year, making him the youngest player in baseball history to sign a contract worth at least $100 million.
After the 2021 MLB season, Wander Franco married his girlfriend.
In 2021, Wander Franco made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Tampa Bay Rays.
In 2021, Wander Franco was invited to major league spring training by the Rays, beginning the season in Triple-A with the Durham Bulls after not making the team.
On April 22, 2022, Wander Franco had his first multi home run game against the Boston Red Sox, becoming the youngest player in Tampa Bay Rays franchise history to achieve this feat.
In 2022, Wander Franco and his wife welcomed their second son.
On July 4, 2023, Wander Franco was selected to his first All-Star game as the roster replacement for Aaron Judge, who was injured.
On August 13, 2023, Wander Franco was placed on administrative leave by MLB due to an ongoing investigation into allegations of relationships with underage girls in the Dominican Republic.
In 2023, Wander Franco represented the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, playing second base and splitting time with Ketel Marte. He hit .222/.417/.222 with a team-leading three walks.
Wander Franco was reinstated to the 40-man roster by the Rays following the conclusion of the 2023 season.
On July 9, 2024, in the Dominican Republic, Wander Franco was charged with sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a minor, and human trafficking.
In 2024, Wander Franco was charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of a minor in the Dominican Republic.
Wander Franco returned to the restricted list at the start of the 2024 season.
Wander Franco returned to the restricted list at the start of the 2025 season.
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