Just days after the World Series, a federal judge revealed an indictment against two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, over allegations of pitch-rigging. This development marks one of the most significant gambling-related infractions in Major League Baseball since the 2018 PASPA decision. According to the indictment, Clase and Ortiz conspired to fix specific pitches before taking the mound, sharing confidential information with accomplices who subsequently placed numerous fraudulent bets.
Since May 2023, prosecutors assert that Clase provided insights to co-conspirators that facilitated thousands of dollars in bets. Allegedly, bettors profited approximately $450,000 from these wagers, with around $400,000 linked directly to the information given by Clase.
Joseph Nocella Jr., the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, emphasized the severity of the corruption, stating, “When corruption infiltrates the sport, it brings disgrace not only to the participants but damages the public trust in an institution that is vital and dear to all of us. Today’s charges make clear that our office will continue to vigorously prosecute those who corrupt sports through illegal means.”
Clase, who has been recognized as a three-time MLB All-Star and was named the American League Relief Pitcher of the Year in 2022, allegedly began conspiring with a bettor earlier this year despite having signed a five-year, $20 million contract extension prior to the 2022 season. He reportedly informed an individual known as “Bettor 1” about the type of pitches he intended to throw during games, often coordinating to ensure that he would miss the strike zone, particularly with his first pitch. For instance, before a game against the Mets on May 19, 2023, he shared details about a specific pitch he would make, leading bettors to win $27,000 based on its speed exceeding 94.95 mph.
The indictment describes multiple instances: On June 3, 2023, during a game against the Twins, bettors profited $38,000 betting on Clase to throw a ball, which subsequently landed low. By April 12, 2025, after more alleged rigging, bettors won $15,000 from a parlay concerning a pitch clocked under 98.45 mph that Clase deliberately threw into the grass. Additionally, on June 15, 2025, Ortiz participated in a scheme agreeing to throw a ball for a $5,000 kickback, which enabled bettors to wager approximately $13,000 and win $26,000.
The unsealed indictments took place in the Eastern District of New York, a region noted for its stringent efforts against illegal sports betting. Recent weeks have seen various figures from other sports facing similar scrutiny, prompting some lawmakers to propose a ban on prop bets. Recently, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine rekindled calls to outlaw microbetting on baseball after urging the Ohio Casino Control Commission to eliminate prop bets tied to individual player actions. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stated that microbets, particularly pitch-related ones, are “particularly vulnerable” to manipulation.
MLB has indicated its collaboration with federal law enforcement during the ongoing investigation. The recent indictments mark the fourth integrity case reported in major U.S. sports in a month, following incidents involving the NBA, college basketball, and the UFC.
Facing serious charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, Ortiz, 26, was arrested at Logan International Airport in Boston and scheduled for a court appearance. His attorney asserted Ortiz’s innocence, claiming he would never improperly influence a game, noting the charges pertain to just two pitches. Both players were suspended by MLB earlier this year as investigations continue. If found guilty, each could face up to 65 years behind bars, though as of Sunday, Clase remained at large.
