Wander Franco, once heralded as the premier prospect in all of baseball and an All‑Star in 2023, has not appeared in an MLB game since August 12, 2023. The hiatus stems from a series of legal challenges that have kept him on the restricted list since July 10, 2024.
Now the focus shifts to the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, where Franco will represent the Dominican Republic. The tournament will host teams from Nicaragua, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Panama, Mexico, Curaçao, and Cuba, with the Dominican Republic opening its campaign against Puerto Rico.
A Controversial Comeback
Franco’s participation comes after a turbulent legal year. In June 2025 a Dominican court found him guilty of sexual and psychological abuse of a minor, sentencing him to a suspended two‑year term that was later appealed and resulted in a new trial in May 2026. Despite the controversy, he has been training rigorously and has spoken openly about his desire to return to competition.
The games have already attracted considerable attention. Fans and journalists alike are watching closely to see whether Franco can still perform at a high level. Reports from veteran baseball writer Enrique Rojas and analyst Hector Gomez have highlighted both the excitement and the scrutiny surrounding his comeback.
If his performance in Santo Domingo is successful, Franco may explore opportunities in Japanese or Korean leagues, where his talent could be further showcased. Meanwhile, Major League Baseball continues to monitor his status, with the organization’s official website noting the evolving situation.