As resolution draws near, Wander Franco case could become more complicated

ST. PETERSBURG — For a long time, we were dealing with guesses and assumptions when it came to Wander Franco.

We know just enough about the allegations of underage sex to be outraged, but in reality we have not heard much from investigators and prosecutors in the Dominican Republic. We can guess, we can surmise, but we cannot deliberate with much certainty.

The deadline to file the complaint was last week, but a judge has the discretion to give prosecutors and victims an additional 10 days to present their arguments, so further clarity is likely not far off.

And this means that the hypothetical questions we are debating will gradually turn into moral questions.

Innocence or guilt will be a matter for the courts.

But the rest of the world will decide what is right or wrong, what is acceptable or unacceptable, what is a path back or a map to nowhere.

There have been rumors in recent weeks that Franco expects to be released and return to the Rays locker room before the end of the season. Perhaps he’s received positive reports from his legal team, or perhaps he’s just delusional. Either way, I can’t imagine a potential return happening that easily.

First, there is the issue of Major League Baseball’s investigation. As the Trevor Bauer case demonstrated, formal charges are not necessary if the commissioner’s office determines that his conduct warrants a suspension. Franco could argue that he has already missed more than 130 games while waiting for the judicial process to conclude, but it is unclear whether MLB will consider that.

And beyond the possibility of formal punishment, there is the potential anger of fans.

If, for some reason, he escapes the charges, there will still be questions about social media posts that appear to indicate Franco had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl when he was in his 20s. That won’t be easily forgotten by some Rays fans, and it certainly won’t go unnoticed at Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium and other MLB venues.

As horrible as it sounds, the simplest solution is a conviction and a prison sentence.

It may be the only way the Rays can get rid of the $172 million they still owe him. They might lose the most talented player ever drafted to Tampa Bay (only Evan Longoria and Josh Hamilton are close), but they would avoid the crushing financial hit.

But are you comfortable with hoping for someone’s downfall? Hoping that a deplorable crime was committed? Hoping that the mother of a teenage girl was involved in a deal between Franco and her daughter in exchange for money?

Yet any measure that does not result in a conviction will inevitably lead to further complications.

What if prosecutors decide lesser charges are warranted? That would put the Rays in a tough spot if Franco showed up at their door after engaging in inappropriate behavior with a young girl. Could a team that has a history of bold advocacy for social issues like gun control and LGBTQ rights take back a player with such a questionable past? Could they afford not to with the money they owe him?

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What if prosecutors reluctantly dropped the case but made it clear they still believed a crime had been committed? Would fans and teammates be comfortable with Franco in a Rays uniform in that scenario?

The problem is that this is not just a baseball issue, nor a legal distinction, nor a moral debate, nor a financial conundrum.

It’s all of these things, and there may not be clear answers.

The Bauer case has produced troubling accusations, backed by medical and visual evidence, that have tarnished the public’s perception of the former Cy Young Award winner, even though prosecutors have declined to file charges. Bauer also has questionable interactions in his past, making it easier for MLB teams to decide that his work on the mound wasn’t worth the criticism that would follow.

Franco is younger, has a higher ceiling and is due four times more money than the Dodgers owed Bauer. Franco’s return potential appears greater, but only if he avoids legal trouble.

So what are you hoping for?

An exoneration? A lack of evidence? A reward? A conviction?

What do you say about that?

Let’s all pray for justice, then we’ll worry about the rest later.

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