Two professional baseball players from the Cleveland Guardians have been charged with serious crimes after allegedly helping gamblers cheat during Major League Baseball (MLB) games. Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are accused of working with a group of corrupt bettors to rig certain pitches so the gamblers could win money from online sportsbooks.

The two players now face several federal charges including wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and bribery. If found guilty on all counts, they could spend up to 65 years in prison.

How the Pitch-Rigging Scheme Worked

According to U.S. prosecutors, the scheme began in May 2023 when Emmanuel Clase, who is a relief pitcher, started working with gamblers. He told them in advance what kind of pitch he would throw, such as a fastball or a ball in the dirt, helping them place fixed bets and win money.

Clase often threw the first pitch of an at-bat in the dirt on purpose and received bribes for doing so. Investigators say the group made about $400,000 from the rigged bets, and Clase even helped fund some of the wagers.

Luis Ortiz joined the plan in June 2025. Before a game on June 15, Ortiz agreed to throw a ball for a $5,000 bribe, and Clase also received $5,000 for arranging it. They repeated the act on June 27, earning $7,000 each and helping bettors win around $60,000.

Arrests and Official Reactions

Federal prosecutors announced the charges on November 9, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York. Luis Ortiz was arrested in Boston the same day, while Emmanuel Clase was not yet in U.S. custody at the time of the announcement. The case has shocked baseball fans and raised concerns about gambling and corruption in professional sports.

U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr said the players betrayed their fans’ trust and deliberately cheated online betting platforms by fixing pitches. FBI Assistant Director Christopher Raia added that their greed seriously damaged baseball’s reputation, as they rigged pitches to help a small group of people, including themselves, quietly win money.

Impact on Baseball and Fans

This latest scandal comes shortly after a similar case in the NBA involving former players and coaches connected to illegal betting. It has raised concerns about gambling and corruption in professional sports once again.

This news is especially painful for baseball fans. The Cleveland Guardians and MLB have not yet released detailed statements, but both are expected to take disciplinary action. The league is also likely to tighten its monitoring of betting activities involving players.

As investigations continue, many believe this case will serve as a warning to athletes everywhere that cheating the game for money has serious consequences.