CLEVELAND, Ohio – Once upon a time, it was easy to guess what could mess up the Guardians playoff hopes.
Injuries to key players.
Guys not hitting.
The bullpen regressing to being only above average after the epic 2024 season.
But gambling?
I’ve been covering baseball since what seems like a few years after the 1919 Black Sox scandal, but I’ve never had to deal with this …
This is 3-time Cleveland All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase as the latest to be put on “paid leave” by Major League baseball. He’s now a part of MLB’s investigation into gambling.
It’s always bad when you hear “the latest to be put on paid leave,” because that means someone else is in that scary baseball purgatory.
That someone is starting pitcher Luis Ortiz, who was placed on “paid leave” on July 3. There was supposed to be some clarity of Ortiz’s situation after the All-Star break.
That’s when MLB said they’d address the Ortiz investigation on August 31.
Clase has been placed under the same August 31 date for more clarification.
WHY NOT BET ON THE SUSPENSON?
Heading into Monday night, the Guardians were 3 ½ games out of a Wild Card playoff spot. They were eight games behind the first place Tigers in the Central Division.
What are the odds of either pitcher pitching for Cleveland again this season?
Yes, that “odds” pun was intended. MLB’s deal with legal gambling has allowed bets to be placed on almost anything to do with baseball. Ortiz is being investigated for throwing a ball (as opposed to a pitch over the plate) on a certain pitch to a certain batter in a certain inning.
That’s called a “micro bet.” Don’t ask me to explain it.
But why not take bets on if Ortiz and Clase will be found innocent or guilty? How about setting a line on how long their suspension will last, assuming they are suspended?
Cynical? You bet (sorry, couldn’t rest).
THE GAMBLING PARTNERSHIPS
But after all, bet365 is a partner with the Guardians.
The gambling site released this statement in 2023: “Everyone at bet365 is thrilled to partner with the Guards, as we launch the world’s favorite online sports betting brand in Ohio. The Guardians’ rich history is deep-rooted in the Cleveland community, and we’re excited to become part of their exciting future.”
This isn’t to pick on the Guardians. Gambling sites have partnered with nearly every major pro sports franchise.
MLB has a partnership with Fan Duel. Here’s a statement from the 2023 deal
“As one of the top sportsbooks in America, FanDuel has been an industry leader in innovative fan engagement opportunities while also reminding them of the importance of doing it responsibly,” said Kenny Gersh, MLB Executive Vice President, Media & Business Development. “These key priorities of unique fan engagement and responsible gambling align with our focus from the league level and make FanDuel a natural partner to collaborate with as an Official Sports Betting Partner.”
There you go.
WHAT THIS MEANS?
Baseball’s stance has been that any MLB player betting on baseball will be suspended for life. Pittsburgh utility player Tucupita Marcano was given that suspension for betting in 2022 and 2023. There were no charges that Marcano actually played in any of the games where he placed bets.
He was making $720,000 in 2024 when the suspension hit.
Suppose the investigation determines Clase and Ortiz did indeed bet on baseball. Would they face a lifetime suspension? Perhaps.
Ortiz was on a $746,000 deal for 2025.
Clase is being paid $4.9 million in 2025.
His salary rises to $6.4 million in 2026.
He has team options for $10 million in 2027 and 2028.
So after this season, he has up to $26.4 million left on his contract. All of that could be in jeopardy.
Then there’s the human element. Would you want these guys on your team, assuming they came back from a suspension of a year or two?
The only good news to come out Monday was in this Guardians statement: “No additional players or club personnel are expected to be impacted” as MLB continues its investigation.
But it makes you wonder if this was going on with other teams? And how many of these “microbets” went undetected in the last few years? This is a mess, and it’s likely not over.
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