Overview
- This week a three-judge panel in Puerto Plata found Franco criminally responsible for sexual and psychological abuse of a minor while exempting him from prison under judicial relief.
- The court also convicted the victim’s mother of trafficking and extortion and cited her conduct when granting Franco relief from a jail sentence.
- Major League Baseball has not ended its independent probe and Franco remains on the restricted list, unpaid and not accruing service time while the league considers discipline under its domestic-violence and abuse policy.
- High-profile Dominican figures including Adrián Beltré and Pedro Martínez publicly said Franco should get another chance, a stance that has intensified public debate but does not affect legal or league processes.
- Franco has not played since Aug. 12, 2023, and his 11-year, $182 million contract, likely U.S. visa problems after a conviction, and teams’ willingness to sign him create major practical barriers to any comeback.