Rafael Furcal arrest, explained: Former Dodgers, Braves shortstop facing aggravated battery charges

Teddy Ricketson

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Rafael Furcal arrest, explained: Former Dodgers, Braves shortstop facing aggravated battery charges image

Former MLB shortstop Rafael Furcal was arrested on May 14, facing charges of aggravated battery. He last played in the league with the Marlins in 2014. 

Furcal came up with the Braves and was signed as an amateur free agent in 1998. He was already 21, which would make him a late signing by today's standards. Furcal had only made it to Atlanta's Single-A affiliate, but a pre-season injury in 2000 helped him jump all the way to the big leagues. 

He would go on to play with the Dodgers, Cardinals, and Marlins before signing a minor league deal in 2015 with the Royals, but he was released ahead of the season.

Furcal hasn't been around baseball much since retiring, other than first being eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2020. The three-time All-Star isn't going to be heading to Cooperstown any time soon based on his career, and now his off-field issues have further complicated his legacy.

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Here is more on Furcal's arrest. 

Rafael Furcal arrest, explained

Furcal was arrested in Florida on Wednesday, May 14. The 47-year-old is facing charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and throwing a deadly missile into an occupied vehicle. While details are not yet available, reports say that he is facing two felony charges. 

The incident in question reportedly occurred on Monday, May 12, and Furcal turned himself in Wednesday as a "self-surrender without incident." This is the former shortstop's third time being arrested. The first two, in 2000 and 2004, were for driving under the influence in Georgia. 

What teams did Rafael Furcal play for?

Here is who Furcal played for in his career.

  • Braves 2000-2005
  • Dodgers 2006-2011
  • Cardinals 2011-2013
  • Marlins 2014

Teddy Ricketson

Teddy Ricketson is a Digital Content Producer at The Sporting News. He joined the team in 2024 after spending the last three years writing for Vox Media as part of its DK Nation/Network team. Teddy does his best to support the South Carolina Gamecocks and Carolina Panthers, but tends to have more fun cheering on the Atlanta Braves. In his free time, he loves spending time with his wife, Brooke, and their two dogs, Bo and Hootie.