Copyright Newsweek
Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were indicted by federal prosecutors on charges related to an alleged scheme to rig bets on individual pitches in Major League Baseball (MLB) games. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York unsealed the indictment on Sunday outlining allegations of wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy. Ortiz was arrested in Boston on Sunday morning, while Clase has not yet been taken into custody, according to a press release from the Department of Justice (DOJ). Newsweek reached out to MLB and the Cleveland Guardians by email Sunday for comment. It was not immediately clear if Clase or Ortiz had legal representation. Why It Matters The indictment of two current MLB pitchers on charges of bet rigging and bribery signals a serious breach of public and institutional trust in the American sports landscape. With the nationwide growth of legalized sports gambling, sports leagues in the U.S. have faced increased scrutiny on maintaining fair play and enforcing strict anti-gambling rules for athletes and officials. This case follows a string of recent sports betting-related scandals, the latest involving the arrest of more than 30 people in connection an investigation into gambling involving players and coaches from the National Basketball Association (NBA). What To Know The indictment alleges that Clase began conspiring with bettors in May 2023 to fix "prop-bets" on his pitches, providing details about the likely speed and type of upcoming pitches. These bets allowed illegal bettors to profit from short-term outcomes, such as whether a pitch would be a ball or strike, based on insider information or player manipulation. According to the indictment, Ortiz joined the conspiracy in June 2025. Prosecutors allege that Ortiz received $5,000 to throw an intentional ball during a game on June 15, 2025, and repeated a similar arrangement on June 27, 2025, for $7,000. Clase allegedly facilitated these bets and also received comparable bribes. Both players face up to 65 years in prison if convicted on all counts. The MLB stated publicly that both players were placed on administrative leave during a preliminary league investigation in mid-2025, ESPN reported. The organization confirmed it had referred the matter to federal law enforcement early in its inquiry and pledged ongoing cooperation with the DOJ. In the indictment, prosecutors highlighted one specific incident from May 28, 2025, in which Clase attempted to throw a non-competitive pitch for betting purposes, but the intended outcome was disrupted when the batter swung and missed. Communications cited in the indictment included exchanges of GIFs between Clase and an alleged co-conspirator, reflecting disappointment after unsuccessful bets. What People Are Saying U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said in a press release on Sunday: “Professional athletes, like Luis Leandro Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase de la Cruz hold a position of trust—not only with their teammates and their professional leagues, but with fans who believe in fair play. As alleged, the defendants sold that trust to gamblers by fixing pitches. In doing so, 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." He added: "Integrity, honesty and fair play are part of the DNA of professional sports. 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.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher Raia said in a press release on Sunday: “Luis Leandro Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase de la Cruz allegedly rigged their pitches in professional baseball games, so that an inner circle, and occasionally themselves, could quietly cash out their winnings. The defendants' alleged greed not only established an unfair advantage for select bettors but also sullied the reputation of America's pastime. The FBI will ensure any individual who exploits their position as a professional athlete at the expense of others strikes out." Major League Baseball said in a statement to ESPN Sunday: “MLB contacted federal law enforcement at the outset of its investigation and has fully cooperated throughout the process. We are aware of the indictment and today's arrest, and our investigation is ongoing.” The Cleveland Guardians said in a team statement: “We are aware of the recent law enforcement action. We will continue to fully cooperate with both law enforcement and Major League Baseball as their investigations continue.” What Happens Next? Ortiz is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston on Monday while Clase remains at large, as of publication. Both the DOJ and MLB have ongoing investigations into the alleged betting scheme.
