New Allegations Quadruple Scope of MLB Gambling Scandal Involving Star Pitcher
Federal prosecutors have dramatically expanded their case against Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase, with new court documents alleging the three-time all-star threw suspicious pitches in 48 games rather than the nine originally cited in his November indictment. The explosive development comes as lawyers for Clase's teammate and alleged co-conspirator Luis Ortiz seek to separate their cases, arguing the disparity in alleged wrongdoing could prejudice a jury.
From Nine to Forty-Eight: Escalating Accusations
When federal authorities initially unsealed their indictment against Clase in November 2025, they accused the former Cy Young Award finalist of manipulating pitches in just nine games over a three-year period. However, according to an ESPN report citing court documents filed Thursday, prosecutors now suspect Clase threw rigged pitches in 39 additional games between 2023 and 2025.
This represents a staggering 433% increase in the scope of allegations against the Dominican-born pitcher who led the American League in saves twice during the period in question. With Clase appearing in 197 total games from 2023 through 2025, the new accusations suggest nearly a quarter of his performances during those seasons were potentially compromised.
Teammate Seeks Separate Trial Over "Markedly Different" Allegations
The expanded allegations have prompted Ortiz's lawyer, Christos N. Georgalis, to formally request that the cases be severed. In court filings, Georgalis argues his client faces "markedly different levels of culpability" compared to Clase and would not receive a fair trial if their cases remain joined.
"A jury presented with 26 months of alleged criminal conduct by Mr. Clase — including suspect pitches during 48 games, dozens of communications with (a bettor), cash transfers and co-ordination of illegal wagers could find Ortiz guilty by association," Georgalis stated in the filing obtained by ESPN.
While Clase stands accused of conspiring with bettors across the entire 2023-2025 period, Ortiz faces allegations related to just two games in June 2025. The indictment reportedly contains no evidence that Ortiz communicated directly with bettors.
Career Implications and Legal Consequences
Both players have pleaded not guilty to multiple charges including wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to influence sporting events by bribery. The most serious charges carry potential prison sentences of up to 20 years.
The scandal has already derailed promising careers. Clase was in the middle of a five-year, $20-million contract with Cleveland when both players were placed on non-disciplinary leave in July 2025. The 27-year-old pitcher has earned more than $15 million during his MLB career, while Ortiz had accumulated approximately $2.2 million playing for Cleveland and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
According to the indictment, both players allegedly received thousands of dollars to help two unnamed gamblers in the Dominican Republic win bets placed on the speed and outcome of their pitches.
League Response and Ongoing Investigation
Major League Baseball has declined to comment further on the case beyond stating it continues to cooperate with prosecutors. ESPN reported that neither Clase's legal team nor the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York had provided comments on the latest developments.
The case represents one of the most significant gambling scandals to hit professional baseball in recent years, particularly given Clase's elite status as a Cy Young Award finalist in 2024 and his dominance as the American League's saves leader in both 2023 and 2024.
As legal proceedings continue, the expanded allegations raise serious questions about the integrity of games during Clase's peak performance years and the effectiveness of MLB's existing safeguards against gambling-related corruption.
