According to Report, Tampa Bay Rays Star Wander Franco May Never Play in MLB Again

A report has come out that Tampa Bay Rays star Wander Franco may never play in Major League Baseball again.

Earlier this week, Tampa Bay Rays superstar Wander Franco was placed on the restricted list after allegations surfaced that he was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a minor in the Dominican Republic. 

Now, MLB Insider Hector Gomez has another report, from someone close to the situation.

A person very close to the investigations into the case of Wander Franco: "It will be very unlikely that Wander Franco will play in MLB again, judging by the results of the investigations that are currently being carried out, which directly commit him to the accusations against him.

A person very close to the investigations into the case of Wander Franco: "It will be very unlikely that Wander Franco will play in MLB again, judging by the results of the investigations that are currently being carried out, which directly commit him to the accusations against… https://t.co/Yn5CGckJgE

— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) August 17, 2023

This is a very serious story with a lot more than baseball at play, but from a pure baseball perspective, this is all terrible news for the Rays.

One of the best young players in baseball, Franco is hitting .281 this year with 17 homers, 58 RBI and 30 stolen bases. He made his first All-Star Game this season and is a major reason why the Rays have been one of the best teams in baseball this year.

The Rays have already lost three top starting pitchers this season to injury, and without Franco, they've now lost their offensive catalyst as well.

The Rays are currently 73-50 and trail the Baltimore Orioles by 2.0 games in the American League East race. They also currently own the top spot in the American League wild card picture.

The Rays are off on Thursday before beginning a weekend series with the Los Angeles Angels.

Game one of the series is on Friday night at 9:38 p.m. ET. 

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