Just days ago, the MLB world was buzzing about Emmanuel Clase for all the right reasons. The Guardians’ All-Star closer was one of the most coveted names leading up to the trade deadline—a hot commodity who could have shifted the balance of power for any contender. But in the end, Clase stayed put in Cleveland, and it seemed like business as usual for one of baseball’s elite relievers.
But in a stunning twist, the conversation around Clase has taken a dramatic turn. Now, the chatter is no longer about his electric fastball or his trade value. It’s about his off-field decisions. Reports of unusual investment ventures and allegations of gambling have suddenly thrust him into an entirely different spotlight.
A strange investment choice made by Clase years ago is now again in the news. And yes, it’s related to the recent gambling accusation against him.
July 26, 2025: Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase 48 throws against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. /CSM Kansas City United States of America – ZUMAc04_ 20250726_zma_c04_514 Copyright: xDavidxSmithx
Clase, who’s currently on leave due to a gambling investigation, has a deal with the start-up investment platform Finlete, according to the Wall Street Journal. Finlete lets fans buy a stake in a player’s potential future earnings, giving fans a chance to cash in if the player succeeds. The company uses Regulation Crowdfunding. So, investors can earn a percentage of a player’s team-related income, like salary and performance bonuses. Now, this is where the problem starts…
The WSJ reports that 282 fans bought into Clase’s income-sharing deal. But with Clase now temporarily suspended from MLB as the probe unfolds, some investors are starting to worry. Will they ever have their money back?
“Per an agreement with the MLBPA, Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through games on August 31st while MLB continues its sports betting investigation,” MLB said in its statement.
MLB is facing a major integrity scare. A bombshell report broke the news that put Clase under the spotlight of a betting scandal. It can have lifelong consequences for those involved.
After the allegations surfaced, MLB placed Clase on paid leave on Monday. In the meantime, the league continues its investigation into the sports betting allegations. So yes, a tough time ahead for Clase, hereon!
Emmanuel Clase was one of the most-hyped names ahead of the deadline
Heading into the trade deadline, Emmanuel Clase was shaping up to be the ultimate prize for contenders looking to bolster their bullpens. The market for elite relievers was red-hot. The Athletics shipped Mason Miller, the Twins dealt Jhoan Duran, and the Pirates moved David Bednar, each landing massive returns. Clase, with his resume, might’ve commanded an even bigger haul than any of them!
Reportedly, teams like the Dodgers, Orioles, and Rangers were all circling, envisioning Clase as the final piece to lock down October games. But then the gambling allegations hit, and suddenly, his future was up in the air. Cleveland had no choice but to hang onto him instead of cashing in on a blockbuster trade.
Amid all the chaos around Clase, his track record is elite. He’s a 3x All-Star with 181 saves in five seasons and a jaw-dropping 1.88 career ERA. But his career hasn’t been without controversy. He already served a suspension in 2020 for testing positive for the banned PED Boldenone.
Now, as the investigation in the betting scandal unfolds, Clase’s future hangs in the balance.
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