"Yet federal prosecutors allege that Clase, over the past few years, routinely conspired with a couple of as-yet-unnamed gamblers to throw certain pitches in certain ways so they could successfully bet on the outcome -- below a specific speed, for example. (Yes, over/under 97.95 mph is a bet that is offered.) Prosecutors said the gamblers involved won at least $400,000 in bets involving Clase. A portion, sometimes as little as $2,000 (fractional when compared with his salary), was allegedly kicked back to Clase."
"That included a May 28, 2025, game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where, a federal indictment states, two bettors wagered $4,000 that his first pitch would be either a ball or hit the batter. Clase apparently did his part, throwing it low and out of the strike zone. Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages swung anyway, though, missing the ball for a strike. The bet was a bust."
Emmanuel Clase earned over $12 million as a relief pitcher and was set to earn an additional $6.4 million next season at age 27 while throwing a 95 mph cutter. Federal prosecutors allege that Clase conspired with unnamed gamblers to intentionally alter pitches to affect betting outcomes, including bets on pitch speed. Prosecutors say gamblers won at least $400,000 and that Clase received kickbacks sometimes as small as $2,000. A cited May 28, 2025 example involved a $4,000 wager on his first pitch that ultimately failed. Clase was arrested and faces potential prison time, loss of contract, and MLB discipline.
Read at ESPN.com
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