Wander Franco and Julio Franco are both Dominican professional baseball players, but they don’t have any familial connection despite sharing the same surname.
They have an age gap of 42 years and played in different time frames. Wander began playing professionally in 2017, whereas Julio played in 1978 and retired in 2008.
Highlights
- Wander Franco and Julio Franco aren’t related as they come from different generations and different family backgrounds.
- Wander’s parents are Wander Franco and Nancy Aybar, and Julio’s parents are José Franco and María Robles.
- Wander married his childhood girlfriend, Rachelly Paulino, and Julio married Rosa Ivis Trueba on October 12, 1991.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was found guilty of sexually abusing a minor in the Dominican Republic and was given a suspended two-year prison sentence.
He will avoid jail time as long as he adheres to certain conditions imposed by the judge, including staying away from minors with sexual intent. The ruling can still be appealed in two higher courts.
He has not played for the Rays since August 12, 2023, a day before social media allegations surfaced claiming he had been in a relationship with a 14-year-old girl that reportedly began in December 2022.
MLB placed him on administrative leave for the remainder of the 2023 season and again at the start of the 2024 season.
Prosecutors in the Dominican Republic had initially charged him with sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a minor, and human trafficking.
They sought a five-year prison sentence for Franco and a 10-year sentence for the minor’s mother, who was also found guilty.
The trial, initially scheduled for December, was delayed until this month.
We respect the legal process in the Dominican Republic and believe it is important to allow it to run its course. We will continue to fully cooperate with Major League Baseball as it monitors the situation. Out of respect for everyone involved, we will not be providing any further comment at this time.
Tampa Bay Rays
Wander Franco Isn’t Related To Julio Franco
Wander Franco and Julio Franco share the same surname, but they aren’t related to each other. They are both standout baseball players from the Dominican Republic.
The confusion is understandable, but they come from different generations and different family backgrounds.
Wander Samuel Franco Aybar, the son of Wander Franco and Nancy Aybar, was born on March 1, 2001, in Baní, Dominican Republic.
His parents raised him in a close-knit family alongside his brothers, Wander Alexander Franco and Wander Javier Franco.
His brothers played in the Houston Astros and San Francisco Giants organizations.
Wander was inspired to play baseball by his father, who had played minor league ball in the 1990s. Meanwhile, his mother is the sister of Willy and Erick Aybar, both of whom are standout athletes in MLB.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop is one of the most exciting young talents in baseball today, and often credits his parents for their contribution to his athletic journey.
First of all, thank you God for the opportunity and for this blessing, thank you to mom and dad for always being there ❤️ Thank you, steady and work hard, blessings ✝️
Wander Franco
5/19/91: Julio Franco drove in 4 runs and Texas won their 7th straight game, trouncing Boston, 12-4. A day after Texas got 17 hits and gave Roger Clemens his first loss of the year, the Rangers roughed up the Red Sox for 16 hits. Franco got three hits, including a two-run homer. pic.twitter.com/If090HPM5z
— Texas Rangers Baseball History (@TxRangerHistory) May 28, 2025
On the other hand, Julio César Franco Robles, the son of José Franco and María Robles, was born on August 23, 1958, in Hato Mayor del Rey, Dominican Republic.
His parents raised him alongside his two brothers. Sadly, José passed away in 1979, and Maria had to raise the three kids solely.
Maria always wanted the best for her three children. Phillies scout Quique Acevedo persuaded her to let Julia come to America, signing him for $4,000.
After coming to the United States, the Indians gave him his first shot at the majors.
Julio had an incredible MLB career and officially announced his retirement on May 2, 2008. His unique batting stance and remarkable fitness made him a legend in the game.
Nonetheless, Wander Franco and Julio Franco are not related despite sharing the same surname and Dominican heritage, which might suggest a family connection.
Wander Franco And Julio Franco Have Separate Personal Lives
Dominican Republic baseball players Wander Franco and Julio Franco have different familial backgrounds, which don’t align with each other.
Beyond their athletic achievements, they have started their own family and become proud parents.
Wander married his childhood long-time girlfriend, Rachelly Paulino, after the 2021 MLB season. She is 23-year-old as of 2025.
The married couple has two children; their first son was born in late 2018, and their second child was born in 2022.
Wander has never opened up about his personal life to the tabloids until he faced allegations of improper relationships with multiple underage women.
On the other hand, Julio Franco married Rosa Ivis Trueba on October 12, 1991, and has one child. He practices Christianity alongside his wife and kid.
I’ve been a Christian for 15 years. I want to play until I’m 50 years old. I know that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and I want to keep my body healthy. I believe the key to that is discipline and obedience.
Julio Franco
Additional Information
- Wander Franco has recorded 30 home runs and 130 RBI, whereas Julio Franco has 173 home runs and 1,194 RBI.
- After retiring from his professional playing career, Julio joined the coaching staff.
- As of 2025, Wander has an estimated net worth of $7 million, and Julio has $12 million.
