Major League Baseball has seen its share of scandals. But the latest involving Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz might have not only uprooted their careers but also the Guardians and their future outlook. Clase and Ortiz might have gambled for a petty amount when compared to the money they were earning, but the Guardians might also lose some money in this scandal.

In a recent piece by The Athletic, they talked about Clase, Ortiz, and all the things surrounding them, their future, and the Guardians. They wrote, “Ortiz is said to have participated in the pitch-rigging ploy twice before… Ortiz made $12,000 for throwing the pitches; Clase made $12,000 for serving as liaison… As The Athletic reported last week, MLB would prefer to discipline Clase and Ortiz by spring training so the Guardians know whether they are on the hook for Clase’s $6.4 million salary in 2026.”

Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz allegedly conspired to rig pitches for gamblers, earning illicit millions. Ortiz allegedly earned $12,000 per manipulated slider, while bettors reportedly won at least $60,000. Clase also received $12,000 for acting as liaison, despite earning huge bonuses in 2024. Clase’s 1.88 career ERA and three All-Star appearances underscore how much was on the line.

Major League Baseball suspended both in July while a federal investigation exposed serious betting misconduct. The scandal has shocked Guardians fans, turning their pride into deep concern about team integrity. MLB reportedly wants to resolve discipline before spring training to clarify the Cleveland Guardians’ financial liability. Clase’s future earnings from his Finlete deal and his $6.4 million 2026 salary now hang.

The cases of Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz now sit as cautionary reminders for MLB integrity. Their choices placed significant careers at risk and left the Guardians holding an uncomfortable financial question. If nothing else, this saga proves even star pitchers can throw away fortunes surprisingly fast.

With Clase gone, Guardians can still drive offseason trades by using Logan Allen as centerpiece

Cleveland spent the week insisting the sky isn’t falling, which is always a sign that something loud just hit the ground. The Cleveland Guardians may have lost Emmanuel Clase for reasons they’d rather not print on T-shirts, but the front office hasn’t exactly curled into a ball. In fact, they’re already pointing at Logan Allen, the dependable lefty who somehow became the adult in the room, as their answer to the mess.

Logan Allen quietly delivers durability, having thrown 156.2 innings with a 4.25 ERA last season. For Guardians fans battered by uncertainty, Allen’s steadiness feels like a reassuring anchor amid pressure. While not flashy, he more than justifies serious trade value as an innings-eating lefty.

Multiple teams are reportedly eyeing Allen as a valuable mid-rotation piece or bullpen depth. His 4.25 ERA over 156.2 innings provides a dependable baseline for clubs seeking controllable production. As SI recently noted, Allen could serve as a sweetener in Cleveland’s trade packages.

Cleveland knows Logan Allen now carries weight, even if Emmanuel Clase stole headlines recently. The Guardians see opportunity because reliable arms often become currency when winter gets chaotic. Allen might not sparkle, yet his value could shape Cleveland’s path with surprising authority.