Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was released from a Dominican Republic jail on Monday, after posting a 2 million Dominican peso ($34,000) bond as part of his conditional release.
The 22-year-old All-Star had been detained for a week despiite allegations of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering involving a 14-year-old girl.
Franco is accused of paying the girl’s mother thousands of dollars and gifting her a car in exchange for her consent. The girl’s mother, also charged in the case, was placed under house arrest.
Franco’s release comes with the condition that he must appear before authorities monthly as the investigation continues. He did not comment on the matter as he left the Puerto Plata jail, surrounded by reporters.
Major League Baseball has also launched an investigation into the allegations, placing Franco on the restricted list in August and later moving him to administrative leave. Both investigations are ongoing.
Franco’s career has been put on hold despite the allegations, after a promising season that saw him sidelined in August. He signed an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays in 2021, with a salary of $2 million per season.
The outcome of the investigations will determine Franco’s future in baseball and potentially lead to legal consequences. For now, Franco’s freedom is contingent on his cooperation with authorities as the case reveals.