But during Monday\u2019s session, prosecutors indicated they are only pursuing the sexual abuse charge<\/a> and asked for a five-year prison sentence.<\/p>\n According to ESPN\u2019s Juan Arturo Recio, closing arguments got heated \u201cduring the stages of reply and counter-reply between the parties, where the prosecutors pointed out that the defense did not present evidence that contradicted theirs or their theory of the case and the defenses pointed out that the MP (Public Ministry) did not prove the existence of the crimes for which it is pursuing the defendants.\u201d<\/p>\n After hearing from both sides, the presiding judge, per Recio, said the case was complex, \u201ctaking into account the volume of evidence and the allegations,\u201d and the three-judge panel would begin deliberations, with an announcement to come Thursday at 3 p.m.<\/p>\n Franco was allowed to address the court Monday morning but chose to speak only briefly, saying, \u201cLet justice be done.\u201d<\/p>\n Franco, 24, has not played for the Rays since word of the relationship surfaced on social media in August 2023, a month after he made his first All-Star appearance. <\/p>\n Dominican prosecutors filed charges against Franco in July 2024. The evidence, which included direct testimony from the girl in a private session, was then reviewed by a judge, who ruled in September that it merited proceeding to a trial. Franco was 21 at the time of the relationship, which started in December 2022, and the girl was 14.<\/p>\n Franco has been on Major League Baseball\u2019s restricted list, and not paid, since charges were filed. In the balance of the verdict could be his career, as well as the remaining $164 million of the $182 million, 11-year contract he signed in November 2021.<\/p>\n Franco also faces charges in the Dominican for illegal possession of a firearm from an unrelated incident in November 2024, with potential jail terms from ranging from six months to five years. A trial date for those charges has not yet been set. <\/p>\n \u2022 \u2022 \u2022<\/p>\n Sign up for our Sports Today newsletter<\/a> to get daily updates on the Bucs, Rays, Lightning and college football across Florida.<\/p>\n Every weekday, tune into our Sports Day Tampa Bay podcast<\/a> to hear reporter Rick Stroud break down the biggest stories in Tampa Bay sports.<\/p>\n Never miss out on the latest with your favorite Tampa Bay sports teams. Follow our coverage on X<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\nA verdict in the trial of Rays shortstop Wander Franco, center, will be announced Thursday afternoon. [\u00a0RICARDO HERNANDEZ | AP\u00a0]<\/p>\n