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We don't know yet if Tampa Bay Rays' star Wander Franco will play baseball in 2024 - or ever again - but we know that he's still preparing as if baseball will be part of his life.
The embattled superstar shortstop posted a video of him hitting earlier on Friday.
From Jay Recher of WDAE in Tampa Bay:
Wander Franco about 10 minutes ago on his IG, taking some swings from both sides of the plate.
Do you think we will EVER see him play in the #MLB again?
Wander Franco about 10 minutes ago on his IG, taking some swings from both sides of the plate.
— Jay Recher (@jayRecher) January 26, 2024
Do you think we will EVER see him play in the #MLB again? #RaysUp @953WDAE @JayAndZWDAE pic.twitter.com/GKlk77tZG5
Franco was put on the MLBs restricted list back in August of 2023 and missed the Rays' playoff run because of allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
Franco was arrested earlier this offseason in the Dominican Republic because of the alleged relationship and more information continues to come out about the nature of their relationship and conversations.
Tampa Bay invested the biggest contract in franchise history in Franco, giving him an 11-year deal in 2021. If he's unable to play for all or part of the 2024 season, the team's chances of competing in the loaded American League East certainly goes down.
The 22-year-old made his debut in 2021 and owns a lifetime .282 average over three seasons. He made the All-Star team in 2023 and hit .281 for the Rays, who won 99 games. He also had 17 homers, 58 RBI and 30 stolen bases.
His contract was for $182 million but is also now completely up in the air depending on his situation.
More must-reads:
- Angels to acquire longtime Mets infielder from Braves
- Pirates announce date for 2023 No. 1 overall pick's MLB debut
- The 'MLB Rookies of the Year' quiz
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