Tampa Bay Rays Comment on Ongoing Wander Franco Social Media Controversy

All-Star Wander Franco has been accused of being in an inappropriate relationship with a minor, but Kevin Cash said his absence on Sunday was unrelated.

The Tampa Bay Rays have released a statement in response to a recent social media frenzy stirred up around star shortstop Wander Franco.

“During today’s game, we were made aware of the social media posts that are circulating regarding Wander Franco,” the statement read. “We take the situation seriously and are in close contact with Major League Baseball as it conducts its due diligence.”

While the Rays did not specify which social media posts they were referring to, a controversy involving Franco had just gone viral on Twitter and Instagram, almost assuredly triggering the statement. The 22-year-old infielder was reportedly accused of being involved in an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

The Rays had a giveaway scheduled at Tropicana Field on Sunday – a free Wander Franco snapback hat for every fan 14 years old or younger.

Franco was not in the Rays' lineup on Sunday against the Cleveland Guardians, with rookie Osleivis Basabe instead starting at shortstop in his major league debut. Manager Kevin Cash told reporters after the 9-2 loss that it was a scheduled day off for Franco.

Rays Manager Kevin Cash says Wander Franco's day off was just a day off. No other reason for him not playing today. pic.twitter.com/UJfrVRknfY

— David Schiele WTSP (@Deacon_Schiele) August 13, 2023

Franco placed third in AL Rookie of the Year voting in 2021, and he made his first All-Star Game in 2023. In 112 appearances this season, Franco is hitting .281 with 17 home runs, 58 RBI, 30 stolen bases, an .819 OPS and a team-high 5.4 WAR.

The shortstop signed an 11-year, $182 million extension with the Rays in November 2021.

Tampa Bay is set to take on the San Francisco Giants at 9:45 p.m. ET on Monday.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Franco did not travel with the team. Passan also reported that, at this point in the team and league’s investigation into the accusations, Franco could be placed on the restricted list or administrative leave.

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