Wander Franco’s alleged conduct has fueled rampant speculation among MLB observers that it has not only damaged his reputation, but could spell the end of his career.
The Tampa Bay Rays announced via Twitter Monday afternoon that the shortstop and team “mutually agreed” he will go on the Restricted List.
A second tweet noted, “We support any steps taken by the league to better understand the situation. Out of respect for all parties involved, we have no further comments at this time.”
Statement from the Tampa Bay Rays regarding MLB's investigation:
We support any steps taken by the league to better understand the situation. Out of respect for all parties involved, we have no further comments at this time.
— Rays Communications (@RaysPR) August 14, 2023
Rumors began circulating online Sunday concerning the 22-year-old shortstop’s alleged inappropriate involvement with a minor. The Rays acknowledged Sunday that were aware of the social media posts and were communicating with MLB officials.
Franco was not in the starting lineup Sunday, but sat in the dugout before leaving the stadium midway through the game. Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters after the game, “I’m aware of the speculation. I’m not going to comment any further on that. But the day off was because [it was] a day off.”
Franco made his first All-Star appearance this season, and has 17 home runs and a .819 OPS.
Veteran baseball observers seemed to agree this alleged incident will permanently stain Franco’s career, with some going even further in their speculation.
NOW on The Ronnie & TKras Show:
“After the investigation is complete, it’s possible that IF these allegations are true, then Wander Franco is done in a Rays uniform .”-@TKras on Wander Franco #RaysUp @RonnieNTL @TKras @TheChrisMathis
👁️❤️📻: https://t.co/ofcFkfysEx pic.twitter.com/73QHZe0VH7
— WDAE (Tampa Bay's Sports Radio) (@953WDAE) August 14, 2023
It will be interesting to see what MLB does about Wander Franco. If they do the right thing, his career is probably over at age 22. Would the league dare try to brush the whole situation under the rug in order to spare one of its most popular & talented players? Awful situation.
— Not Gaetti (@notgaetti) August 14, 2023
Fact: Wander Franco will receive a harsher punishment than any player that cheated to win a World Series. #MLB
— Jacob Perry 🇺🇲 🇺🇦 🇮🇱 (@RealJacobPerry) August 14, 2023
Could Wander Franco be totally done in MLB? https://t.co/JYddAjYALI
— John Frascella (Football) (@LegendSports7) August 14, 2023
So if there was no social media, the entire MLB would just be clueless to this Wander Franco situation?
— MANIAC (@ZachSheldon) August 14, 2023
