Could clarity on legal status of Rays’ Wander Franco come Friday?

There may be some clarity Friday on Wander Franco’s legal status in the Dominican Republic.

Prosecutors have for months been operating with a July 5 deadline to present formal charges against the Rays’ 23-year-old shortstop stemming from allegations of a sexual relationship with a then-14-year-old girl that started in December 2022 and included payments to her mother for consent.

Details about the status of the case, and a timeline, have been scarce, including what the specific charges will be, and thus the severity of the matter and the potential penalties.

The Associated Press reported in January that Franco would be accused of sexual and psychological abuse, and abduction, and that accusations of money laundering and sexual exploitation — which could carry a 20-year jail term, per ESPN — had been dismissed by a judge after reviewing a nearly 600-page report by the prosecutors.

But the Dominican newspaper El Nuevo Diario reported in May that Franco would be accused of commercial sexual exploitation of a minor, but also that the charges would be filed in June.

Once there is resolution of Franco’s legal status in the Dominican Republic, Major League Baseball is expected to complete its investigation, including an interview with Franco, and could impose disciplinary action, such as a suspension.

Franco has not played for the Rays since Aug. 12 and is on administrative leave, receiving his $2 million pay, with his latest stint running through July 14. Another extension is possible if there are no significant developments in his case by then.

An appeals court ruled in May that Franco no longer was required to make monthly check-ins with Dominican authorities, as was a requirement when he was released from jail in January, having been arrested and detained a week after failing to respond to a summons to speak with prosecutors. Franco’s request to get back the $33,000 bond he posted to be released was denied.

Franco has been free since January and occasionally posts videos on his Instagram account of himself taking batting practice at fields in the Dominican Republic.

The Rays and MLB have declined comment on his status, and his representatives have not replied to messages.

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