One Year After Clase Gambling Scandal, Players Divided on Whether MLB Has Done Enough

A year after the Emmanuel Clase pitch-rigging scandal shocked Major League Baseball, players remain split over whether the league has done enough to protect the sport’s integrity.

Still, nearly one in five players said more should be done, with some criticizing the league’s business ties to sportsbooks.

The Scandal That Shook Baseball

According to a survey by The Athletic of 100 players from 23 teams, most believe MLB has taken the right steps to educate players about gambling.

The Clase-Ortiz case remains one of the biggest gambling scandals in recent MLB history.

Federal prosecutors claim the alleged pitch-rigging scheme began in May 2023 but was not made public until more than two years later. Clase continued pitching for Cleveland even after teammate Luis Ortiz had been placed on paid leave while investigators built their case.

Clase’s lawyers argue that text messages and phone calls cited by prosecutors were related to rooster fighting, not baseball. Both pitchers deny wrongdoing, and their federal trial has been delayed until November as investigators continue reviewing thousands of documents and messages.

What Players Actually Think

Most players surveyed believe MLB’s gambling rules are already clear.

Many pointed to Rule 21, which bans betting on baseball and carries a lifetime suspension for violations. Players also said the league covers gambling rules during spring training and posts them in every clubhouse.

Several players told The Athletic that anyone who breaks those rules knows the consequences. One player said it is a personal choice rather than a lack of education, while another called it “plain stupidity” to risk a career by betting on baseball.

Overall, many players believe personal responsibility matters more than adding new rules.

The Hypocrisy Argument, and The Deterrent Effect

Not every player agreed.

Some argued that MLB sends mixed messages by promoting sportsbooks while warning players to stay away from gambling.

One pitcher pointed to sportsbook ads throughout MLB stadiums, while another said sports betting has become such a major business that it now influences nearly every part of professional sports.

The criticism reflects a larger issue across American sports. Many leagues have signed sponsorship deals with sportsbooks such as BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars while enforcing strict gambling rules for players and team employees.

Several players believe the Clase case itself may stop others from making the same mistake.

One National League pitcher said seeing one of baseball’s biggest stars facing federal charges sends a strong message that no player is above the rules. Others said the case should remind players that anyone involved in gambling schemes will eventually face serious consequences.

What’s Next

The biggest event still ahead is the November trial for Clase and Ortiz on federal wire fraud and conspiracy charges.

The outcome could shape how MLB handles future gambling investigations and whether the league introduces stronger safeguards. As regulated sports betting continues to grow across the United States, baseball will likely face ongoing pressure to balance its sportsbook partnerships with protecting the game’s integrity.