MLB, Rays Investigate Wander Franco's Social Media Speculation

Major League Baseball is investigating social media posts alleging that All-Star shortstop Wander Franco had an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

In a recent development, Major League Baseball is investigating social media posts that have surfaced regarding Wander Franco, the talented All-Star shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays. These posts, which gained significant attention on X (formerly known as Twitter), make allegations of an inappropriate relationship between Franco, who is 22 years old, and a minor.

The Rays organization released a statement acknowledging their awareness of the situation and their collaboration with Major League Baseball as they conduct a thorough investigation. This statement came two hours after the team's 9-2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians.

Interestingly, despite a scheduled Wander Franco Snapback Hat giveaway for children aged 14 and under, Franco was absent from the lineup on Sunday. Instead, the Rays called up their top prospect, Osleivis Basabe, from Triple-A Durham to take his place.

When questioned about Franco's absence, Rays manager Kevin Cash stated that the decision was made to give Franco a day off and rest. However, when pressed further about any potential connection to the social media speculation, Cash chose not to comment, acknowledging his awareness of the situation but refraining from providing additional details.

Rays general manager Peter Bendix, seen entering Cash's office after the game, declined to comment through a team spokesperson, further fueling curiosity surrounding the situation.

The social media posts gained significant traction throughout the game, with Franco's name becoming the top trending topic in the sports category on the platform by the end of the game. Franco was present at Tropicana Field before the game, arriving with at least one other player. He was seen in the dugout during the early innings but left around the fifth inning and did not return. Additionally, he was not present in the clubhouse after the game.

A clubhouse attendant was observed packing Franco's baseball gear into a team travel bag at his locker. The Rays immediately headed to the airport following the game to fly to San Francisco for their upcoming three-game series against the Giants.

Franco's absence is notable considering his exceptional performance as one of the best shortstops in the American League this season. He had been on a remarkable offensive streak in recent weeks, recording hits in his last seven games, including a game-winning home run in a walkoff victory over the Guardians just the night before.

It is worth mentioning that Franco had been shouldering a heavy workload, playing in 40 consecutive games due to the absence of backup shortstop Taylor Walls, who is currently on the injured list. Earlier in the season, Franco was benched by the Rays for what Cash described as not being the best teammate. However, Franco returned to the lineup after sitting out two games, expressing his commitment to improving his emotional control.

As the investigation unfolds, baseball fans and the Rays organization eagerly await further updates and clarification regarding the allegations made on social media. The outcome of this investigation will undoubtedly have significant implications for Franco's career and the reputation of the Tampa Bay Rays.