Wander Franco, the former Tampa Bay Rays shortstop whose career stalled after a 2023 scandal, is slated to appear on the Dominican Republic’s roster for the baseball competition at the Central American and Caribbean Games.
The move comes after a series of legal setbacks that have kept him off the field for years. In May, a court found him criminally responsible for sexual and psychological abuse of a minor, sentencing him to two years of probation. A separate conviction related to the same case resulted in a guilty verdict for sexual abuse of a minor, and he has been serving a custodial sentence that restricts his travel to the United States.
Garibaldi Bautista, president of the Dominican Olympic Committee, has said that Franco is unlikely to make the final 20‑player lineup, citing the need to prioritize athletes who meet eligibility criteria. Juan Núñez, head of the Dominican Baseball Federation, acknowledged the federation’s desire to include Franco but stressed that the final decision rests with the Committee.
Franco’s last high‑profile appearance was an All‑Star Game selection before his MLB tenure was suspended. Since then he has spoken publicly about the importance of family and perseverance, promising to return to the sport once the legal hurdles are cleared.
Eligibility remains in flux because Franco was not on the preliminary roster submitted by the federation. While the federation plans to add his name, the ultimate composition of the squad will be determined by the Committee’s assessment of his legal status and visa restrictions.
A contested comeback
The prospect of seeing Franco back in a competitive setting has sparked debate among fans, officials, and advocacy groups, highlighting the tension between athletic ambition and accountability for alleged crimes.