ESPN | Jeff Passan: Cleveland Guardians relievers Emmanuel Clase and Luis L. Ortiz were indicted by the US Department of Justice over the weekend, formally charged with fraud and conspiracy. The indictments come after an investigation into unusual betting patterns centered around pitch-by-pitch side bets, and the government is accusing both relievers of deliberately throwing balls in order to activate pooled payoffs within the conspiracy. This could end up the biggest scandal in living MLB memory, as Clase had been among this generation’s best closers, and more importantly, even the Astros’ sign-stealing didn’t involve gambling payouts. For now, Clase and Ortiz are innocent until proven guilty, but the stench that pro sports’ love affair with gambling in recent years has created isn’t going to go away any time soon. Both pitchers face up to 75 years in prison if convicted.
Between this case and the NBA’s flubbed handling of its own recent gambling scandal, I hope the Big Four leagues actually attempt some self-reflection about the state of the game, and whether this is how they want to see it supported. I doubt they will, but I’ll be hopeful.
New York Daily News | Peter Sblendorio: Once again, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto find themselves MVP finalists, although unlike last year they are playing for rival teams. Judge seems to be in the driver’s seat to take home his third such award, although after Cal Raleigh’s excellent season and the possible onset of Voter Fatigue, it’s no sure thing. Soto meanwhile appears to be on the outside looking in, as Shohei Ohtani is damn hard to beat and never seems to suffer from Voter Fatigue.
Sports Illustrated | Erin Shapland: While overall, the Yankees’ starting rotation is a strength, the injury concerns are very real. Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole are expected to start next year on the IL, and both Luis Gil and Max Fried come with their own history of injury. With that, an under-the-radar signing could be just what the club needs as some insurance against these IL risks, and that could come in the form of NPB hurler Tatsuya Imai. Imai is coming off a 1.92 ERA season with the Saitama Seibu Lions over 24 starts, has a fastball that sits 95 and touches 99, and is just 27 years old, rounding out the youth depth the Yankees have with Cam Schlittler and Will Warren.
Relatedly, Seibu just confirmed that Imai would indeed be posted. Once it happens, he’ll have 45 days to sign with an MLB team.