Emmanuel Clase

Indicted Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase has now been accused of throwing suspicious pitches to benefit bettors in 48 games over the span of two years. The 48 games is far more staggering than the nine games listed in the initial indictment back in November.

Fantasy Impact

With the number of games increasing more than five times the initial indictment, it is becoming more and more likely that Clase has thrown his last pitch. Not only that, but Clase - and fellow co-conspirator Luis Ortiz - could face as much as 20 years in federal prison if convicted of the top charges. Clase has now been accused of manipulating "at least 250 pitches" in the last court proceedings. Clase appeared in 197 games between 2023 and 2025 before he was placed on non-disciplinary leave by MLB. If the allegations are true, he would have doctored his performance in roughly a quarter of his outings. The former three-time All-Star and two-time American League Reliever of the Year was on the fourth year of his five-year contract with Cleveland. The trial is set for May 4.

Emmanuel Clase was indicted Sunday on multiple federal charges connected to a betting scandal involving rigged pitches in MLB games, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.com. The former Guardians closer had been under investigation since missing the final two months of the 2025 season. He and teammate Luis L. Ortiz are both being charged, with Ortiz reportedly arrested earlier in the day. The indictment alleges that the pitchers were paid to intentionally throw balls to manipulate betting outcomes.

Fantasy Impact

Clase’s future in professional baseball is in serious jeopardy. The three-time All-Star, who led MLB in saves from 2022 through 2024, faces federal charges that could carry severe penalties. Fantasy managers can safely assume he won’t pitch again in 2026 and may be dropped in all formats.

The Guardians have denied Emmanuel Clase permission to play winter ball in Venezuela.

Fantasy Impact

Guardians remains on non-disciplinary paid leave and will not be allowed to take part in winter ball games. He is continuing to be investigated over a sports betting scandal.

Emmanuel Clase reportedly may never pitch in the MLB again following his gambling scandal.

Fantasy Impact

This is not official yet, but it remains a situation to monitor. Clase was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave in July and did not pitch again the rest of the season following a sports betting scandal. There should be a further update at some point in the offseason.

Emmanuel Clase will remain on non-disciplinary paid leave until further notice.

Fantasy Impact

The league is continuing an investigation of both Clase and Luis L. Ortiz. They are unlikely to pitch again this season.