Overview
- A Brooklyn grand jury charged both players with wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy.
- The indictment says Clase’s alleged involvement began in May 2023 and Ortiz joined in June 2025, coordinating specific pitches to enable co-conspirators to place winning prop bets.
- Prosecutors cite two June 2025 games in which Ortiz allegedly threw intentional balls for $5,000 and $7,000 bribes, with Clase receiving matching payments for arranging the pitches.
- Authorities allege bettors won at least $400,000 tied to Clase’s pitches and at least $60,000 tied to Ortiz, with some coordination occurring via in-game communications.
- MLB and the Guardians say they are cooperating with the DOJ; both pitchers were placed on paid leave in July, Ortiz has an initial court appearance in Boston on Monday, and each faces potential decades in prison if convicted.