Guardians Pitchers Clase, Ortiz Headed for May Trial Over Alleged Bribery Scheme
In a case that’s sending shockwaves through both Major League Baseball and the sports betting world, Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are scheduled to stand trial in May on federal charges tied to an alleged bribery scheme involving pitch-related bets.
U.S. District Court Judge Kiyo Matsumoto announced Tuesday that jury selection is tentatively set to begin on May 4 in Brooklyn federal court. The trial could begin as early as that week, with prosecutors estimating it will run for about two weeks.
The charges are serious. Clase and Ortiz are accused of accepting thousands of dollars in bribes to assist two unnamed gamblers-reportedly based in their native Dominican Republic-in placing successful bets on the speed and outcomes of their pitches. Prosecutors allege the scheme helped the bettors win at least $460,000.
According to the indictment, Clase began cooperating with the gamblers in 2023, allegedly feeding them inside information about his pitch selection and velocity. Ortiz was reportedly brought into the operation earlier this year. Both players were arrested last month and have pleaded not guilty to multiple conspiracy charges, including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery.
Since the arrests, both pitchers have remained free on bond. They’re scheduled to return to court on January 15.
At a brief hearing Tuesday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Sherman told the court that the government has started sharing evidence with the defense, including hundreds of gigabytes of data collected from electronic devices. While there have been discussions between prosecutors and defense attorneys since the arrests, Sherman said no plea deals have been discussed to this point.
Judge Matsumoto had initially floated a February trial date, but both sides agreed to push the proceedings to spring to allow more time for preparation.
Neither Clase nor Ortiz, nor their legal teams, offered public comment following the hearing. Ortiz’s attorney has previously stated that any financial transactions between his client and individuals in the Dominican Republic were for legitimate purposes-not illegal kickbacks.
Clase, 27, is one of the most dominant closers in the game today. A three-time All-Star and two-time American League Reliever of the Year, he’s in the fourth season of a five-year, $20 million contract with Cleveland. Ortiz, 26, served as a starting pitcher for the Guardians this season, earning a salary of $782,600.
Both players have been on paid leave-without disciplinary designation-since July, when Major League Baseball launched its own investigation. The league reportedly flagged unusual betting activity during games in which the two pitchers appeared, prompting the federal probe.
This case has the potential to be a landmark moment in how baseball-and professional sports at large-handle the intersection of athlete conduct and the rapidly expanding legal betting industry. While the legal process continues to unfold, the implications for MLB’s integrity policies and player oversight are already reverberating throughout front offices and clubhouses across the league.