MLB Gambling Scandal Explodes: Emmanuel Clase’s Fate, Judge vs. Raleigh Showdown, and Shocking Rookie of the Year Reveals

So here’s the kicker—this past Sunday, the baseball world got rocked when charges were dropped against Cleveland Guardians’ own Emmanuel Clase and Luis L. Ortiz. These two pitchers find themselves tangled up in a web of allegations including wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering, among others, with the unsettling prospect of facing up to 65 years behind bars. It’s a gut punch to the sport, a stark reminder that the intersection of professional athletics and illegal gambling isn’t some distant nightmare—it’s a harsh reality we’re forced to confront now more than ever, especially given the growing ties between sports leagues and betting enterprises.

On the latest episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman get into the weeds on every evocative detail—breaking down the charges, the suspicious in-game moments that sparked this storm, and the profound sadness over two careers now shadowed by scandal. But it’s not all doom and gloom. They pivot to some bright spots in the season, dissecting award decisions like the American League Rookie of the Year, debating the AL MVP race between Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh, and guessing who’ll secure their spots on the MVP ballots across both leagues.

This conversation is essential, blending hard truths with genuine passion for the game’s future. Buckle up—you won’t want to miss a moment. LEARN MORE

On Sunday, charges were announced stemming from alleged gambling misconduct involving Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis L. Ortiz. Both pitchers have been charged with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy, among other charges, and each could face up to 65 years in prison.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman break down all the charges and the possible suspicious in-game activity that led to them. They then discuss why this is such a sad story for both players to be involved in, and why, unfortunately, it’s become something we now have to deal with in the new era of partnerships between gambling companies and sports leagues.

Later, the guys dive into the end-of-year awards, including Jordan explaining his vote for American League Rookie of the Year, a reexamination of Aaron Judge vs. Cal Raleigh for AL MVP and their picks for who will appear on both the American and National League MVP ballots.