Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, widely regarded as one of the best relievers in baseball, has been placed on leave while Major League Baseball (MLB) conducts an investigation into sports betting. This decision comes at a critical time, as the trade deadline approaches. In addition to Clase, his teammate and fellow pitcher Luis Ortiz is also under investigation for baseball-related betting and has been on leave since July 3.
According to an official statement from MLB, “Per an agreement with the MLBPA, Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through games on August 31st while MLB continues its sports betting investigation.” The league noted, “We will not comment further until the investigation has been completed.” This leaves fans and analysts alike speculating about the implications of this investigation on Clase’s career and the Guardians' lineup.
The Cleveland Guardians have released a statement acknowledging the MLB's decision regarding Clase. The organization emphasized that they “have been informed that no additional players or Club personnel are expected to be impacted.” A spokesperson for MLB confirmed that they do not have reason to believe the investigation extends beyond Clase and Ortiz, which may alleviate concerns for the rest of the team.
Emmanuel Clase's leave is set to run through August 31, which raises questions about its impact on his trade value. Despite the ongoing investigation, the timing means that it does not entirely destroy his trade value. Teams have historically traded for pitchers who have made fewer appearances than Clase is expected to make if he is reinstated by that date. Furthermore, August 31 is the deadline for players to be on an organizational roster to be eligible for postseason play.
However, the nature of Clase's leave casts a shadow over his value. Under MLB rule 21(d), players found to have bet on baseball games in which they did not participate are ruled ineligible for one year, while those who bet on games they played in face permanent ineligibility. This places Clase and Ortiz in a precarious situation, as the outcome of the investigation could severely impact their careers.
The investigation into Clase and Ortiz is part of a larger trend of gambling-related issues in baseball, especially since the sport embraced legalized betting through lucrative partnerships with online betting companies and major casinos. The most notable scandal occurred in the spring of 2024, involving This news comes on the heels of MLB reinstating the last star banned for life for betting on baseball, Pete Rose' href='https://breakingon.com/search/shohei-ohtani3cbe28099s-former-interpreter-who-pleaded-guilty-to-charges-related-to-a-scheme-to-steal-millions-from-the-superstar-to-fund-his-gambling-habit-while-ohtani-was-not-implicated-clases-situation-makes-him-the-most-prominent-active-player-currently-under-investigation3cp3e3ch33eimpact-on-trade-deadline-plans3ch33e3cp3ethis-news-comes-on-the-heels-of-mlb-reinstating-the-last-star-banned-for-life-for-betting-on-baseball-3cb3epete-rose'>Shohei Ohtani This news comes on the heels of MLB reinstating the last star banned for life for betting on baseball, Pete RoseImpact on Trade Deadline Plans
Impact on Trade Deadline Plans
At 27 years old, Clase is a talented right-hander known for his unhittable cutter and has one more year before free agency. Had the Guardians opted to trade him, he was expected to yield a promising return. Teams in need of top-tier relief help, such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, may find themselves significantly impacted by the uncertainty surrounding Clase’s availability as the trade deadline looms.
