Guardians Pitchers Clase and Ortiz Face 'Cheater' Label in Fraud Trial

Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, pitchers for the Cleveland Guardians, found themselves at the center of a fraud trial in a New York federal court, where they were referred to as 'cheaters', marking a significant departure from their usual roles on the baseball diamond. ¹²³

The case against the pair began to take shape as jurors listened to opening statements, setting the stage for what promises to be a detailed examination of alleged insider trading involving Clase's pitch information. According to reports, Clase started providing pitch data to a gambler in the Dominican Republic from early 2023, leading to substantial winnings for the bettors, estimated at over $460,000. ²

Clase and Ortiz have maintained their innocence, pleading not guilty to conspiracy charges. They were arrested in November 2025 and currently hold non-disciplinary leave from the Guardians. The defense strategy hinges on the argument that Clase and Ortiz are innocent, with one key figure, Pena, having falsely claimed to possess inside information. ²

Text messages and code words such as 'chicken' or 'rooster' are expected to play a crucial role as evidence in the trial. Meanwhile, Pena's betting record shows over 7,000 wagers placed between 2023 and 2025, with more than 200 losses specifically attributed to bets on Clase's pitches. ²

Ortiz's defense team asserts that he had no direct contact with the gamblers and only two of his pitches are under scrutiny. This contrasts with Clase's more extensive involvement, which began in 2023 when he was 25 years old. Clase, a three-time All-Star and two-time American League Reliever of the Year, and Ortiz, who earned $782,600 as a starting pitcher for the Guardians in the 2025 season, now face the challenge of clearing their names in the courtroom. ²

What we know

• Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are pitchers for the Cleveland Guardians.
• They were referred to as 'cheaters' during a fraud trial in a New York federal court.
• The fraud trial involves pitch information provided by Clase to a gambler.
• Clase and Ortiz pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges.
• Opening statements have been heard in the trial.
• Clase provided pitch information to a gambler starting in early 2023.
• Gamblers made at least $460,000 from betting on Clase's pitches.
• Clase and Ortiz were arrested in November 2025.
• Clase recruited Ortiz into the scheme in 2025.
• Text messages and code words like 'chicken' or 'rooster' will be used as evidence.
• The defense argues Clase and Ortiz are innocent.
• Pena made over 7,000 bets from 2023 to 2025 and lost over 200 bets on Clase's pitches.
• Ortiz's defense states he had no contact with gamblers and only two of his pitches are at stake.
• Clase is a three-time All-Star and two-time American League Reliever of the Year.
• Ortiz earned $782,600 as a starting pitcher for the Guardians in the 2025 season.
• Clase met Pena in 2023 when Clase was 25 years old.