The Cleveland Guardians baseball team faces a significant challenge as they head into the winter meetings, dealing with a betting scandal involving pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz. Both players were indicted on serious charges related to gambling activities, leaving the team uncertain about their financial obligations for the upcoming season. Ortiz was on a one-year contract for just over $782,000, while Clase was in the middle of a five-year, $25 million deal, earning $4.5 million for 2025. After the regular season ended, the players were moved to the restricted list, and their pay stopped. They each face a maximum of 65 years in prison if convicted. The Guardians are now in a tricky spot, as prosecutors have indicated they are not currently offering plea bargains, and the trial might not happen until May. This delay means the Guardians could once again be forced to pay these players for part of the 2026 season without them playing. The team is hoping for a swift resolution so they can plan their roster and finances more effectively.

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