The New York Yankees’ hopes of bolstering their bullpen with one of baseball’s elite closers have hit a major snag. Cleveland Guardians’ star reliever Emmanuel Clase, long rumored to be a prime trade target ahead of the 2025 MLB trade deadline, is now under league investigation for sports betting. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary leave through August 31 as the investigation unfolds, effectively halting any trade discussions.
Clase isn’t alone in this controversy. His teammate, Luis Ortiz, is also entangled in the same probe, with his paid leave—initially set on July 3—extended through the same date. The ongoing investigation has cast a shadow over the Guardians’ organization and raised questions about the growing intersection of sports betting and Major League Baseball.
Since being traded to the Guardians from the Texas Rangers in December 2019 in exchange for former Yankees ace Corey Kluber, Emmanuel Clase has solidified his status as one of baseball’s premier relievers. In 345 appearances for Cleveland, Clase boasts an astonishing 1.84 ERA and 181 saves, earning three All-Star selections and the prestigious Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award in 2022 and 2024. His dominance on the mound made him an ideal target for the Yankees, who have been aggressively pursuing top bullpen arms to fortify their roster for a postseason push.
However, Clase’s availability is now in jeopardy as MLB investigates potential violations of its strict gambling policies. According to The Athletic’s Zack Meisel, MLB’s Rule 21d(2) explicitly 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.” Additionally, Rule 21d(3) notes that players placing bets with illegal bookmakers face penalties at the Commissioner’s discretion, based on the specifics of the conduct.
BREAKING: Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave as part of MLB’s sports-betting investigation, sources tell ESPN.
Clase is the second Guardians pitcher on leave tied to the investigation, joining right-hander Luis Ortiz.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 28, 2025
The rise of legalized sports betting has brought both opportunity and scrutiny to professional sports, and MLB is no exception. The league’s partnerships with betting companies have deepened, but so have the consequences for players who cross the line. In June 2024, four players received one-year suspensions for betting-related infractions, while Tucupita Marcano was handed a lifetime ban for his involvement. The cases of Clase and Ortiz mark the latest chapter in this ongoing saga, highlighting the fine line players must walk in an era where gambling is more accessible than ever.
For the Yankees, Clase’s investigation is a crushing blow to their trade deadline aspirations. A pitcher of his caliber—capable of locking down games with pinpoint precision—would have been a game-changer for a team eyeing a deep playoff run. With Clase sidelined and trade talks on hold, the Yankees must pivot to other options to strengthen their bullpen. Names like Tanner Scott and Mason Miller have surfaced as potential alternatives, but none carry the same proven track record as Clase.
As the August 31 deadline for Clase and Ortiz’s leave approaches, the baseball world awaits further clarity. Will Clase face a suspension, or could he be cleared to return to the mound? For now, the Yankees and their fans can only watch and wait, as their dream of landing one of baseball’s best closers hangs in the balance.