Guardians GM Admits Players Were 'Pissed' About Clase Scandal

Cleveland's team culture helped them overcome the loss of their star closer and starting pitcher amid an alleged betting scandal.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cleveland Guardians general manager Mike Chernoff revealed that his players were furious after the team lost star closer Emmanuel Clase and starting pitcher Luis Ortiz to an alleged pitch-rigging scandal. Despite the setback, the Guardians rallied to win the AL Central division, showcasing the strength of their team culture.

Why it matters

The Clase scandal was a major blow to the Guardians, who lost two key players in the middle of the season. However, the team's ability to overcome adversity and win their division speaks to the strength of their organizational culture and player development.

The details

MLB placed both Clase and Ortiz on non-disciplinary paid leave in late July amid an investigation into irregular betting behavior. Reports alleged they were part of a pitch-rigging scheme to benefit betting associates. Despite missing their star closer and starting pitcher for most of the 2025 season, the Guardians went 48-26 after starting the year 40-48, enabling them to catch the first-place Detroit Tigers and win the AL Central.

  • In late July 2025, MLB placed Clase and Ortiz on non-disciplinary paid leave amid the betting investigation.
  • The Guardians started the 2025 season 40-48 but went 48-26 after the Clase and Ortiz scandal broke.

The players

Mike Chernoff

The general manager of the Cleveland Guardians.

Emmanuel Clase

The Guardians' star closer who was allegedly involved in a pitch-rigging scandal.

Luis Ortiz

A starting pitcher for the Guardians who was also allegedly involved in the pitch-rigging scandal.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“That hit us hard. Colt, like you said, we have to separate ourselves. We can't do it with the economics. We have to do it in other ways. And culture is such a huge part of what we do. Our scouts do a phenomenal job of understanding and learning the makeup of each player. And we try to bring in great people, not just great players, and we do the same thing with coaches and scouts and whoever that we're bringing into the organization, so we can separate ourselves in culture. And when something like that happens, man, it's a knock to the whole organization — obviously, what it does on the field, but also what it does off the field.”

— Mike Chernoff, Guardians General Manager (clutchpoints.com)

“Our guys were pissed. They were not happy. I'm sure you've talked to some of our players. Still, every time I read anything about it, I'm cringing. It makes my stomach unsettled just to see some of the stuff that's been written about. And yet, our guys never gave up.”

— Mike Chernoff, Guardians General Manager (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Guardians will start the 2026 season with the third-best odds to win their division, behind the Tigers and Royals, as they look to build on their unexpected division title in 2025.

The takeaway

The Guardians' ability to overcome the Clase and Ortiz scandal and win their division in 2025 demonstrates the strength of their organizational culture and player development. Their resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the team's character and commitment to success.