Cleveland Guardians Pitchers Indicted in Gambling Scandal

Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been indicted on federal charges, including wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering, for allegedly conspiring with gamblers to manipulate pitch outcomes. The indictments, unsealed on November 9, 2025, in the Eastern District of New York, allege that starting in May 2023, Clase collaborated with bettors to intentionally alter pitch outcomes, leading to illicit gains exceeding $460,000. Ortiz is accused of joining the scheme in June 2025. Both players face potential prison sentences of up to 65 years if convicted.

The indictment details several games where pitches were allegedly rigged. For instance, during a May 19, 2023, game against the New York Mets, Clase allegedly threw a pitch faster than 94.95 mph, resulting in bettors winning $27,000. Ortiz is accused of throwing an intentional ball for a $5,000 bribe during a June 15, 2025, game.

Ortiz was arrested at Boston Logan International Airport and has pleaded not guilty. He was released on a $500,000 bond with travel restrictions and a gambling ban. Clase, who was reportedly outside the U.S. at the time of the indictment, has since been arrested upon arriving in New York from the Dominican Republic. He pleaded not guilty and was released on a $600,000 bond under similar conditions.

Major League Baseball (MLB) has placed both players on non-disciplinary paid leave pending further investigation. This action aligns with MLB's ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of the sport, especially in light of the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allowed expanded sports wagering. In response to this and other betting scandals, MLB has imposed new limits on pitch-related betting.

This case is part of a broader trend of sports betting scandals that have emerged since the 2018 Supreme Court decision. Similar cases have been observed in professional basketball, indicating a growing concern over the influence of gambling on professional sports.

The allegations against Clase and Ortiz have significant implications for the integrity of professional sports. Such scandals can erode public trust and raise questions about the fairness of the games. They also highlight the potential vulnerabilities in the system that can be exploited for financial gain, emphasizing the need for stringent monitoring and enforcement of anti-gambling policies.

U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. stated, "The defendants deprived the Cleveland Guardians and Major League Baseball of their honest services. They defrauded the online betting platforms where the bets were placed. And they betrayed America's pastime."

The indictments of Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz underscore the ongoing challenges professional sports face in maintaining integrity amid the expanding landscape of legalized sports betting. As the legal proceedings unfold, they will likely prompt further discussions on the measures necessary to safeguard the fairness and trustworthiness of professional athletic competitions.