Cleveland Guardians Withhold Salaries from Pitchers During MLB Gambling Investigation
The Cleveland Guardians have been granted permission to withhold payments from pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz while Major League Baseball continues its investigation into allegations of pitch-rigging for gamblers. This decision comes as federal charges loom over the players, with a trial scheduled but potentially subject to delays.
Details of the Non-Payment Agreement
In a statement released on Friday, Major League Baseball announced that both Clase and Ortiz will remain on non-disciplinary leave without pay until further notice. This agreement, reached with the MLB Players Association, is explicitly stated not to be an admission of wrongdoing by either player. MLB has been monitoring the situation closely since alerting federal authorities at the start of its investigation and will refrain from further comment until the probe is complete.
Background on the Players' Status and Salaries
Ortiz was initially placed on paid leave on July 3 of last year, followed by Clase on July 28, allowing them to receive their salaries while not pitching for the remainder of the season. However, after being indicted on federal charges on November 9, their financial situation has changed. Clase, a three-time All-Star and two-time American League Reliever of the Year, is set to earn $6 million in 2026 as part of a five-year, $20 million contract. In contrast, Ortiz, who lacks sufficient service time for arbitration, earns approximately the league minimum salary of $780,000.
Federal Charges and Legal Proceedings
Federal prosecutors have charged Clase and Ortiz with accepting several thousand dollars in payoffs to assist two gamblers from the Dominican Republic. The scheme allegedly enabled the gamblers to win at least $460,000 by placing over 100 in-game prop bets and parlays on pitch velocity and outcomes. The charges include wire fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to influence sporting contests. Both players have entered not guilty pleas in Brooklyn federal court, with a trial scheduled for May 4, though delays are possible.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about gambling integrity in professional sports, as MLB works to maintain transparency and fairness amidst legal scrutiny.
