Wander Franco is a Major League Baseball (MLB) player who currently plays as a shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays.
He is a highly regarded prospect who signed with the Rays in 2017 as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic.
Franco made his MLB debut on June 22, 2021, and has since become a key player for the Rays.
Recently, Franco has been the subject of investigations by both the attorney general’s office in the Dominican Republic and MLB.
The investigations are related to allegations that Franco had a relationship with a minor.
As a result of the investigations, Franco has been placed on the Restricted List and is taking leave from the club.
Despite the ongoing investigations, Franco’s talent and potential have not gone unnoticed.
In 2021, he signed an 11-year extension with the Rays worth $185 million with a 12th year option worth $38 million.
This contract extension is a testament to Franco’s potential and the Rays’ confidence in him.
Wander Franco wife
According to Daily Mail, Franco’s wife is 21-year-old Rachelly Paulino.
Franco has never publicly revealed Rachelly’s name, though the 22-time All-Star has bragged about his first son, Wander Samuel Franco Jr., born in 2018.
The couple welcomed their second son in 2022.
Paulino and Franco both hail from Bani on the south coast of the Dominican Republic, 65 miles from the nation’s capital.
They appear to have been together since they were both in their teens.
Franco’s mom Nancy Aybar posted a photo of Paulino on Facebook on the day of her 15th birthday, September 10, 2016.
She referred to Paulino as her mother-in-law.
She wrote;
“Today is a very special day for me, my love. May God bless you, papa. May he help you become a good woman and lead you on the path to success.”
On the same day, the then teenager’s friend Ymanolisse Mejia Garo posted a long gushing message in Spanish that included;
“September 10, 2001, 15 years ago today Rachelly Paulino Aristy was born my love, my sister, my partner. We have been through so much in our friendship that we have reached the point of being inseparable.”
Written above a photo of the pair with their faces smeared with what appears to be white cream, she continued;
“Wow love I still can’t believe that you are finally 15 years old and that I met you when I was 11, your friendship is so valuable and important to me.”
Wander Franco alleged relationship with a 14-year-old
Franco is currently under investigation by MLB and Dominican authorities for an alleged relationship with a 14-year-old.
The allegations surfaced through social media posts, which suggested that Franco was dating a minor.
The investigations are ongoing, and the exact details of the alleged relationship are not yet clear.
The MLB takes such allegations seriously and has a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
The potential consequences for Franco, if the allegations are proven true, could be severe.
The attorney in the Dominican Republic has stated that an alleged affair with an underage woman could end Franco’s MLB career.
However, it is crucial to await the results of the investigations before drawing any conclusions or making judgments.
Wander Franco Dating a 14 yr Old Girl?!?!! WHAT?! This better not be true #WanderFranco pic.twitter.com/8PZLbSFLfJ
— DAZ (@dawgzzNBirdz) August 14, 2023
MLB’s policy on relationships with minors
MLB has a zero-tolerance policy towards domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.
The policy covers all individuals involved in MLB, including players, coaches and staff.
The MLB provides educational programs throughout the year to ensure that all players are aware of the requirements and expectations of the policy.
The MLB takes allegations of relationships with minors seriously and has a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
The investigations into Franco’s alleged relationship with a 14-year-old are in their early stages, and the details of the situation are not yet clear.
It is important to respect the privacy and confidentiality of all parties involved in this matter and to await the results of the investigations before drawing any conclusions or making judgments.
