Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was scheduled to stand trial for allegations of inappropriate conduct in the Dominican Republic. However, that trial has been delayed until June 2 after many key witnesses went missing. Franco’s legal team had requested that the trial be finished before spring training. However, the request was denied because of the witness issues. The lead attorney handling the Franco case, Teodosio Jaquez, mentioned, “There is no case against Wander; for as many witnesses as they present, there is no case now.” 

Well, Franco was taken as one of the top prospects in MLB. He had signed a huge contract with the Rays. 11 years, $182 million in 2021. All that after his good rookie season. But during his sophomore year, his performance dipped. Plus, he missed a chunk of the 2023 season because of injury. Then while he was recovering, authorities uncovered an alleged inappropriate relationship with a minor. Due to this, Franco was placed on the Tampa Bay Rays exempt list. And the team has got someone else joining them now: Kim Ha-Seong. Insider Jon Heyman was asked about this move in his live session, and he thinks it’s a good deal.

The team signed Golden Glove, infielder Kim Ha-Seong to a two-year, $29 million contract. It also has an opt-out clause after the 2025 season. Now MLB insider Jon Heyman discusses the signing comment, “I mean, that was a good deal—two years, $29 million, with an opt-out. They needed to solve that shortstop situation.” As far as the situation with Franco goes, Heyman said it’s unfortunate.

“Obviously, we know it’s very unfortunate; very bad what happened with Wander Franco. I mean, just a terrible situation. And, uh, you know, I mean, I think I’m glad to see the Rays are trying,” mentioned Jon Heyman. Well, the team had to move on. After the authorities had found the minor aspect, he fled from them to the Dominican Republic. Later, he was even in possession of an unregistered weapon. So charges are building up upon him. He faced new charges of possession and use of the weapon following an altercation in the Dominican countryside last month.

Police reported finding a Glock with its magazine and 15 rounds of ammunition inside Wander Franco’s Mercedes Benz. The team has moved on, and as Heyman said, it’s looking like a good deal.

Kim Ha-Seong is ready to take up shortstop duties for the Tampa Bay Rays

ESPN and MLB.com revealed citing reports that Kim Ha-Seong has agreed to a two-year, $29 million deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. Kim is set to earn $13 million this year, making him the highest-paid player on the Rays roster right now. If Kim doesn’t opt out, his deal would end up as the fifth largest in the team’s free-agent contract history.

Kim played for the San Diego Padres previously from 2021 to 2024. He recently underwent surgery to repair a small tear on his right shoulder. So he won’t be available for the opening day on March 28. But the aim is that he will come to the field sometime around May. The team is likely to benefit from his versatility. He, as a player, has played at second base, third base, and as a shortstop during his season with the San Diego Padres in 2023.

The 29-year-old even ended up winning the NL Golden Glove Award as a utility player. He set career highs hitting 17 home runs, 38 steals, and 60 RBIs then. However, his 2024 indeed saw a decline both in offense and defense. He ended up finishing with 11 home runs and 22 steals comparatively before a season-ending injury. He declined an $8 million mutual option and now is poised to be an everyday shortstop for the Rays after recovery. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays will be playing their home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field this time. This is because of the damage Hurricane Milton did to their home field. It will be under repairs till 2026 as per sources.

What do you think about this move by the Tampa Bay Rays? Let us know!