The sexual abuse trial of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been pushed back to June 2, 2025, after a significant number of witnesses failed to appear in court. The trial, originally slated for Thursday, was delayed at the request of prosecutors, with only three of the expected 31 witnesses present. Franco faces charges of sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation of a minor, and human trafficking.

Dominican Judge Yacaira Veras granted the postponement, despite objections from Franco's legal team, who argued the delay would conflict with his spring training obligations in mid-February. Lead lawyer Teodosio Jáquez maintained Franco's innocence, telling The Associated Press, "There is no case against Wander. For as many witnesses as they present, there is no case now." The judge reiterated Franco's obligation to adhere to the trial schedule and the terms of his conditional release.

Franco, 23, expressed his frustration with the situation and his desire for justice, stating, "I did not had a career," implying his career is not over. "This is not over." He also faces separate charges in the Dominican Republic stemming from an alleged armed altercation in November, following which he was arrested and subsequently released under the condition of monthly check-ins with authorities.

The Rays organization removed images of Franco from Tropicana Field after the allegations surfaced and have reportedly ceased selling his merchandise at the team store. Franco signed a lucrative 11-year, $182 million contract in November 2021 and achieved All-Star status in 2023, boasting a .281 batting average with 17 home runs and 58 RBIs in 112 games. However, the team placed him on the restricted list in July 2024, halting his pay.

According to ESPN, Dominican prosecutors allege Franco referred to the minor as "my girl" in a WhatsApp message, acknowledging the inherent risk of the relationship but expressing his affection. Prosecutors claim the relationship, which involved payments to the girl for her silence, spanned four months. The girl’s mother also faces money laundering charges related to gifts allegedly received from Franco. Documents suggest Franco provided the girl with the equivalent of $46,000 and paid her mother approximately $1,700 monthly, along with a new car. During raids on the mother's residence, prosecutors reportedly discovered sums of $68,500 and $35,000, allegedly provided by Franco.