The Cleveland Guardians were preparing to be active players at the MLB trade deadline — but their plans may have just fallen apart. Closer Emmanuel Clase, one of their most valuable trade assets, has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave by Major League Baseball amid a growing gambling investigation.
Clase, a two-time Mariano Rivera Award winner and widely regarded as one of the game’s elite closers, was expected to draw significant interest from contenders. His team-friendly contract and dominant track record made him a centerpiece for a potential deadline deal. But with MLB’s decision, any trade discussions are now effectively frozen.
In a statement, the Guardians confirmed the league’s action and emphasized their cooperation: “The Guardians have been notified by Major League Baseball that as part of their sports betting investigation, Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave per an agreement with the Players Association. … We will respect the league’s confidential investigative process as we continue to fully cooperate.”
Clase joins growing list of players caught in betting investigations
Clase becomes the second Guardians pitcher to be sidelined by a gambling investigation in 2024. Luis Ortiz has been on paid leave since early July, also under suspicion of betting-related misconduct. While specific details regarding Clase’s case remain unclear, the Ortiz situation is already raising red flags about the integrity of certain in-game betting markets.
Emmanuel Clase #48 of the Cleveland Guardians delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on July 13, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Griffin Quinn/Getty Images)
According to ESPN, Ortiz is under scrutiny for suspicious pitch outcomes on two separate dates that triggered betting alerts — specifically, the first pitch of the second inning on June 15 and the third inning on June 27. Both resulted in errant pitches, followed by offensive surges from the opposing teams.
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MLB Rumors: Dodgers among four teams reportedly interested in Guardians star player
MLB face mounting pressure over gambling oversight
Clase is now the highest-profile player entangled in a gambling controversy during the legalized betting era, highlighting a growing concern across professional sports. While previous investigations mostly involved minor leaguers or fringe players, Clase’s status as a star reliever underscores how serious the risks have become.
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The broader conversation now shifts to whether leagues — including MLB — need to reconsider the scope of bets allowed on micro-events like individual pitches. With similar scandals unfolding in the NBA, the balance between fan engagement and competitive integrity may require urgent recalibration.
