MLB Players Face Federal Charges in Alleged Sports Gambling and Match-Fixing Scheme
CLEVELAND, OH – November 11, 2025 - Two Major League baseball players, pitcher Luis Clase and outfielder/infielder Luis Otís, have been charged with federal crimes including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and conspiracy to manipulate the results of sports games. clase was released after posting a $500,000 bond (730 million won) and appeared in federal court,declining to answer questions from reporters.
The allegations center around illegal betting activities despite sports gambling being legal in the United States since a 2018 Supreme Court ruling that deemed the previous federal ban unconstitutional. Though, Major League Baseball maintains a strict prohibition against betting by players, umpires, club personnel, and league officials. According to MLB Rule 21, any individual betting on their own team’s games faces permanent disqualification, while betting on other teams results in a one-year ban.
Clase, a three-time All-Star from 2022-2024, recorded a 5-3 record with 24 saves and a 3.23 ERA before his performance declined this season. Otís, who posted a 7-6 record with a 3.32 ERA for the Pittsburgh Pirates last year, joined Cleveland this year and went 4-9 with a 4.36 ERA.
The associated Press reported that Clase and Otís could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted on all charges.Authorities allege that Classe left the United States early in the season and failed to secure new recruits for the alleged scheme. The examination is ongoing, and the full extent of the alleged manipulation remains unclear.
