Prosecutors Accuse Guardians’ Emmanuel Clase of Double Life: Star Closer and Pitch Fixer
Emmanuel Clase, the star closer for the Guardians, has been accused of participating in a pitch-fixing scheme that defrauded gamblers and compromised the integrity of Major League Baseball (MLB). According to a federal indictment, Classé allegedly provided insider information regarding his pitches to bettors, enabling them to profit significantly over a two-year period.
Details of the Allegations
Federal prosecutors claim that from 2023 to 2025, Clase and fellow pitcher Luis Ortiz manipulated games for financial gain. The indictment reveals that their actions allowed gamblers to earn approximately $450,000. Prosecutors from the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of New York filed the charges this past Sunday, highlighting the severity of the situation.
How the Scheme Functioned
The pitch-fixing scheme reportedly began in April 2023 when Clase started disclosing pitch types to individuals identified as “Bettor 1” and “Bettor 2.” This insider information enabled these gamblers to place bets on specific pitches at legal sportsbooks, taking advantage of the predictable outcomes.
- Types of Bets: Bettors utilized two methods: prop bets, which focus on player performance, and micro-bets, which concentrate on specific game plays.
- Rigged Pitch Examples:
- On May 19, 2023, bets were placed that Clase would throw a pitch over 94.85 mph, winning approximately $27,000.
- On June 3, 2023, bets based on Clase’s advance information led to a win of $38,000.
In 2025, Ortiz was introduced into the scheme after being acquired by the Guardians. The two pitchers collaborated to fulfill specific pitch requests in exchange for bribes.
Financial Gains and Consequences
Both Clase and Ortiz allegedly profited from the scheme through kickbacks. In one instance, Clase instructed Bettor 1 to send money to the Dominican Republic disguised as payment for repairs on a country house. This raised eyebrows and led to further scrutiny by authorities.
The potential penalties for Clase and Ortiz are significant. If convicted, they could face up to 65 years in federal prison and a lifetime ban from baseball, pending MLB’s investigation and actions from Commissioner Rob Manfred.
Current Status and Legal Proceedings
Ortiz was arrested on July 3 at Logan Airport and subsequently released after posting $500,000 bail. He is subject to travel restrictions within the northeastern United States. Meanwhile, Clase remains at large but is also facing charges.
Defense attorneys for both players insist that their clients are innocent. This case raises serious concerns about the integrity of professional sports and the trust placed in athletes by fans and gamblers alike.
