Wander Franco detained in Dominican Republic as family sends MLB star to clinic for mental health

Wander Franco, 24, was detained in Baní, Dominican Republic, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Police said his family made the request after worrying about his mental health. Officers escorted him to a private clinic. A video showed Franco streaming on Instagram as police entered. The phone dropped, and the live ended soon after. Police confirmed there are no new charges. The case is only about his health. Franco is already suspended from Major League Baseball. He is also facing legal battles from past cases in his home country.Colonel Diego Pesqueira confirmed the detention. He said Franco was moved peacefully. The clinic is in Baní, his hometown.This came just months after Franco’s conviction. In June 2025, a court found him guilty of sexually abusing a minor. He was given a two-year suspended sentence. That means he will not go to jail unless he breaks court rules.Franco also faces another case. Authorities charged him with illegal gun possession. That case is still open. His lawyer, Teodosio Jáquez, has not spoken about the clinic stay.Franco was once considered a future star. Now, his career is on hold. MLB has not said if he will ever return to the game.Wander Franco signed a $182 million deal with the Rays in 2021. It was for 11 years. At the time, he was seen as one of the best young players in baseball.He played 265 games for Tampa Bay. He hit 30 home runs and drove in 130 runs. In 2023, he became an All-Star.Also Read: Phillies Karen Story Explained: What Harrison Bader And Kid’s National Outrage Reveals About The American MindsetBut in August 2023, everything changed. Allegations surfaced of a relationship with a 14-year-old girl. Franco’s mother was accused of sending money to the girl’s mother. The girl’s mother was later charged with money laundering. She is now under house arrest.The trial against Franco began on June 2, 2025, in Santo Domingo. He continues to say he is training. But MLB has made no decision on his future.Police said Tuesday’s detention is separate. They stressed it was only about health. His family has asked for privacy while he stays under medical care.