Who is Rachelly Paulino? Tampa Bay Rays star Wander Franco faces accusations of being involved with underage girls
TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA: Wander Franco's wife has been revealed for the first time. This comes as the Tampa Bay Rays star faces allegations of improper relationships with multiple underage girls.
Franco, 22, had not previously mentioned his wife by name, however, the Daily Mail disclosed on Friday, August 18, that he is married to his childhood sweetheart, Rachelly Paulino, 21, from the Dominican Republic.
Who is Rachelly Paulino?
Sources claimed that both Franco and Paulino were raised in Bani, Dominican Republic, and their connection dates back as early as 2016.
Back then, Franco's mother, Nancy Aybar, extended birthday wishes to Paulino on her 15th birthday through a Facebook post, addressing her as her "daughter-in-law."
The couple got married after the 2021 season and now have two sons together, according to the report. Amid the recent allegations against Franco, the couple's current relationship status remains unclear.
What's happening with Wander Franco?
Franco, who achieved All-Star status with the Rays during his third MLB season this year, has been placed on the restricted list and is taking a leave from the team.
This move comes as the league investigates concerning social media posts about the shortstop that came up last week, along with subsequent allegations linking him to underage girls.
The posts, which are said to have gained significant attention on Twitter before seemingly disappearing, claimed that Franco had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with minors.
A 17-year-old girl reportedly lodged a complaint against Franco in the Dominican Republic, as stated by the Dominican newspaper Diario Libre.
Further investigations into the issue are being conducted not only by the MLB but also by the Dominican Republic attorney general's office.
Was Wander Franco involved with a minor?
Just before the game on Sunday, August 13, Franco posted an Instagram livestream at the stadium, saying, "They’re saying I got with a young girl, that I’m running around with a minor out there."
"How crazy is that, dude? People don’t know what to do with their time. These people need to get moving. One is here focused, doing my thing, you see, thanks to God," he continued.
Franco added, "That’s why I prefer to be on my side and not get involved with anybody because people are so gossipy."
His teammate Jose Siri then walked into the recording, shouting, "people after money."
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Will Wander Franco play in the MLB again?
"We support any steps taken by the league to better understand the situation," the Rays said in a statement after Franco was placed on the restricted list, adding, "Out of respect for all parties involved, we have no further comments at this time."
Now Franco's future in the game is unclear.
Dominican journalist Hector Gomez posted on social media, saying, "A person very close to the investigations into the case of Wander Franco: 'It will be very unlikely that Wander Franco will play in MLB again, judging by the results of the investigations that are currently being carried out, which directly commit him to the accusations against him.'"