Opening statements in the federal trial of Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz began Wednesday in a Brooklyn courtroom, where prosecutors characterized the two athletes as “cheaters” who allegedly rigged pitches to profit from sports betting. The pitchers, who have pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy, wire and honest services fraud, sports bribery, and money laundering, face a potential sentence of up to 65 years in federal prison if convicted on all four counts.
Allegations of Pitch Rigging
According to the indictment, the scheme involved coordinating with gamblers to manipulate the speed and type of pitches thrown during Major League Baseball games. Prosecutors allege that Clase, a 28-year-old three-time All-Star, manipulated at least 18 pitches across 17 games between May 19, 2023, and May 28, 2025. Investigators claim Clase often threw these pitches on the first delivery of an at-bat, frequently opting for sliders in the dirt or outside the strike zone to ensure they would be called as balls.
The indictment further alleges that Ortiz, 27, joined the conspiracy in June 2025, manipulating two pitches in two separate games. Prosecutors contend that the players received bribes and kickbacks or placed bets through proxies, enabling gamblers to win at least $460,000 using information regarding pitch outcomes and speeds. In one instance, Clase is accused of using a mobile phone during a game to coordinate a pitch with a bettor.
Update: A jury has been selected in USA vs. Emmanuel Clase & Luis Ortiz. 12 jurors/6 alternates were picked. The process took 2 days, way longer than expected. Opening statements begin tomorrow at 9 am EST. Witness testimony to follow. There is expected to be 21 trial days. https://t.co/iYuFE9R1vW
— https://x.com/SamBlum3/status/2117749068273430941
Defense Strategy
Defense attorneys argued that the pitchers were exploited by a “serial liar” and gambling addict
named Enoc Pena. Michael Bronson, an attorney for Clase, stated that Pena, a 41-year-old gambler, befriended the pitcher in the Dominican Republic in 2023 under the guise of shared interests.
Jury Selection Concludes Ahead of Three-Week Trial
Jury selection for the trial concluded on Tuesday following a two-day process. The proceedings are expected to span three weeks and may include testimony from Guardians front-office personnel, including general manager Mike Chernoff, as well as pitching coach Carl Willis and various catchers. Representatives from Major League Baseball and betting platforms like DraftKings could also be called to the stand.
Clase and Ortiz were arrested in November 2025 and have remained free on bail. Both were placed on non-disciplinary paid leave in July 2025, a status that was shifted to unpaid leave in March 2026. Clase, who was signed to a five-year, $20 million contract in 2022, remained under contract through the end of the 2025 season. The Guardians organization reportedly owes him a $2 million buyout for 2027, though his future in the sport remains uncertain as he faces the possibility of a lifetime ban from baseball.
More on Cleveland Guardians
Of note today: — Potential MLB witnesses include Guardians GM, Mike Chernoff, PC Carl Willis, catchers Austin Hedges, Bo Naylor & Mike Zunino, among others. — Jury selection will continue into tomorrow. Two potential jurors acknowledged betting on Guardians games previously, https://t.co/YpfpeWeFxT
— https://x.com/SamBlum3/status/2117394058968781011
Cleveland Guardians’ Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were ‘cheaters’ who rigged pitches for gamblers: federal prosecutors https://t.co/LHAjWuWWt6
— https://x.com/NYDailyNews/status/2118131469293949014
Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz described as ‘cheaters’ at trial https://t.co/wC0RngYdNT
— https://x.com/jackiehaz/status/2118081029609005531
The federal trial of #Guardians Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz has begun in Brooklyn, New York. They both face jail time if convicted on illegal gambling charges. pic.twitter.com/3MJlLrFlms
— https://x.com/CLEsportsTalk/status/2117660080640581847