The Cleveland Guardians made a surprising surge into playoff contention this past season after struggling for much of the year. Perhaps most shocking, though, wasn’t the turnaround in the standings, but the fact that the team made its run after one of its best players was removed from the roster.
Three-time All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave by Major League Baseball in July amid a gambling investigation, following unusual betting patterns. MLB did the same with Clase’s teammate, Luis Ortiz.
MLB hasn’t offered an official update on the investigation since it noted the paid leave for both players would last “until further notice” in August. But insider Hector Gomez has now reported that Clase’s major league career is over.
“Source: Emmanuel Clase will never pitch in MLB again,” Gomez posted late Monday on X. “The gambling evidence found against him is irrefutable.”
If MLB has indeed uncovered evidence that Clase gambled on baseball games, he could face a permanent suspension from the majors. And that would be a brutal blow to the Guardians, as he has served as one of the game’s most effective closers over the last few years.
For three straight seasons, Clase led the American League in games finished and total saves, notching 47 in a third consecutive All-Star campaign last year that also earned him Cy Young Award and Most Valuable Player Award votes.
Up until his suspension this past season, Clase was not pitching up to his own standard, with a 3.23 ERA and 24 saves across 48 games. But his $20 million contract gave the Guardians two more years of club options at $10 million each, which seemed to be a bargain until the cheating scandal emerged.
Now it looks like the Guardians will have to prepare for a future without their closer eligible to return.
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