Franco 'unlikely' to return to MLB amid 'improper relationship' probe

Tampa Bay Rays star Wander Franco is unlikely to ever play in Major League Baseball again 'judging by the results of the investigations' into his alleged relationship with a minor, new reports claim. 

Allegations first surfaced on Sunday, when Franco was scratched from the Rays lineup before a game against the Cleveland Guardians. 

MLB has launched a probe and an investigation in Franco's native Dominican Republic is being handled by a division specializing in minors and gender violence in the province of Peravia.

Franco has denied the allegations but according to reports in the All-Star shortstop's homeland, the 22-year-old's career in baseball's biggest league could be over.

Dominican journalist Hector Gomez posted on social media a quote from 'a person very close to the investigations into the case of Wander Franco.'

'It will be very unlikely that Wander Franco will play in MLB again, judging by the results of the investigations that are currently being carried out, which directly commit him to the accusations against him,' it read.

Rays star Wander Franco is alleged to have had an inappropriate relationship with a minor

According to reports in the All-Star shortstop's homeland, Franco's MLB career could be over

Franco joined the Tampa Bay Rays aged 16 for $3.825m. Then, in 2021, the 22-year-old signed an $182million, 11-year contract - a record deal for a player with less than one year of major league service. 

Earlier this week, however, a prosecutor in the Dominican Republic said their probe into Franco's alleged relationship with a minor is being handled by a division specializing in minors and gender violence in the province of Peravia.

Angel Darío Tejeda Fabal, a prosecutor in Peravia, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the investigation into Franco is open under The National Agency for Boys, Girls, Adolescents and Family and Gender Violence Unit. 

He said the probe is in its early stages and will be chaired by Judge Olga Dina Llaverias, a specialist on child abuse cases.

Fabal said prosecutors are gathering evidence and testimonies but did not provide details.

In 2021, the 22-year-old signed an $182million, 11-year contract - a record deal for the Rays

Franco was placed on the restricted list by the Rays on Monday, sidelining him for six games in the midst of a playoff race. 

The Dominican native will be paid, but the team is permitted to replace him on the roster while MLB investigates social media posts alleging an improper sexual relationship between Franco and a young girl.

DailyMail.com has not been able to independently verify the social media posts. Allegations first surfaced when Franco was scratched from the Rays lineup before a game against the Guardians at Tropicana Field.

That same day, Franco denied the allegations during an Instagram Live post.