© David Banks/Imagn
Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase was, perhaps, the biggest name on the market ahead of this week’s MLB trade deadline. The keyword there, however, is “was.”
The Guardians placed Clase on non-disciplinary paid leave on Monday as part of an ongoing sports-betting investigation by Major League Baseball, according to ESPN’s Jeff Pasan. Clase, a three-time All-Star, joins teammate Luis Ortiz on the list. Ortiz was flagged by Major League Baseball for suspicious activity based on erratic tendencies in the first pitch of at-bats.
Emmanuel Clase Has Been One The Best Closers In Major League Baseball
Prior to the trade, Clase’s name had come up in trade talks with several teams, and for good reasons. He made the MLB All-Star Game in 2022-24 and has a 2.67 FIP this year on a disappointing Guardians team.
Last season, Clase finished third in American League Cy Young voting and helped Cleveland reach the ALCS.
In fact, Clase has been so good that his last four seasons compare favorable to New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera, who many consider the greatest closer of all-time.
Clase (2021-2024):
287 games pitched
279 1/3 IP
1.68 ERA (248 ERA+)
2.34 FIP
0.884 WHIP
.487 OPS allowed
151 saves
Rivera (1997-2000):
252 games pitched
277 2/3 IP
2.14 ERA (217 ERA+)
3.14 FIP
1.059 WHIP
.563 OPS allowed
160 saves
What Happens If Clase Is Found To Have Violated The League’s Gambling Policy
While Clase has been flagged for suspicious behavior, that doesn’t necessarily make him guilty. In fact, proving guilt can often be difficult in these situations.
But what happens if the league determines that Clase violated its gambling policy?
Rule 21, section D, subsection 2 of the MLB rule book states: “Any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform, shall be declared permanently ineligible.”
Last year, MLB permanently suspended Padres play TucapitA Marcano for gambling, while four other players received one-year bans.
The involvement of scope of Clase’s alleged gambling would determine the punishment he faces. But one thing seems clear, he’s not likely to be on the roster of any playoff teams in 2025.