MLB pitchers become the latest to be embroiled in a high-profile betting scandal

• Two prominent MLB pitchers playing for the Cleveland Guardians are said to have cashed in on rigged pitches
• The pair is suspected of generating $460,000 in total in rigged wagers placed illegally
• The FBI is still investigating, while Clase and Cruz have denied all wrongdoing

Two Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers have become the latest to be involved in a major betting scandal. The duo, both of whom play for the Cleveland Guardians, have been accused of purposefully throwing their pitches in exchange for money from third parties and thus influencing betting outcomes.

US sports continued getting hit with criminal probes

This is the latest in a series of scandals involving the most prestigious athletic organizations in the United States, among which are the NCAA, NBA, and UFC, all of which have faced increased scrutiny over alleged match-fixing by prominent players and staffers over the past several weeks.

In the case of Emmanuel Clasede la Cruz and Luis Leandro Ortiz Ribera, the FBI and federal prosecutors have found sufficient evidence to tie them to a sports betting and money laundering scheme.

The criminal enterprise in which the pair allegedly participated, said investigators, was worth hundreds of thousands of dollars placed illegally. FBI Assistant Director in Charge ChristopherRaia released a statement in which he detailed the ongoing investigation and what law enforcement suspected:

"The defendants' alleged greed not only established an unfair advantage for select bettors, but also sullied the reputation of America's pastime."

He was joined by US Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr, who offered more details about the case and why the two men’s names have been announced publicly as part of the investigation:

"The defendants deprived the Cleveland Guardians and Major League Baseball of their honest services. They defrauded the online betting platforms where the bets were placed. When corruption infiltrates the sport, it brings disgrace not only to the participants but damages the public trust in an institution that is vital and dear to all of us."

Clase and Ortiz’s team has also released a statement in which the Guardians said that they were cooperating fully with law enforcement to ensure that the investigation is carried out in good faith.

Rigged wagers are generating hundreds of thousands of dollars

The pair supposedly joined in May 2023 – in the case of Clase, and June 2025, in the case of Ortiz, and would receive various amounts to underperform in certain situations. Pitches would be the main focus of those bettors’ interest, with some paying as much as $7,000 or even $50,000.

Ortiz alone is said to have earned $60,000 from throwing a few bad pitches, but Clase pushed this much farther, with his co-conspirators and him scooping up $400,000, according to investigators.

For the time being, both Clase and Ortiz have firmly denied any wrongdoing in the case.

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