Former Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor took the stand in a New York federal courtroom on Thursday as part of the ongoing investigation into alleged pitch‑fixing by former Guardians relievers Emmanuel Clase and Nick Ortiz. Naylor, who was with Cleveland from 2022 until the trade deadline before joining the Milwaukee Brewers, was shown dozens of video clips of pitches thrown in the 2025 season.
Testimony focuses on game strategy, not illegal betting
Naylor testified that he called a slider that was later described as an “allegedly rigged pitch” to St. Louis Cardinals hitter Pedro Pagés, noting that the pitch was intended to exploit a perceived weakness. He emphasized that catchers and pitchers develop a game plan during pre‑game meetings, analyzing each batter’s tendencies to decide which pitches give the best chance of an out.
“We discuss the hitter’s habits and decide on a sequence of pitches,” Naylor said. “Even the best pitchers can’t guarantee where a pitch will end up.” He added that he was unaware that bettors could place wagers on individual pitches, a point that aligns with prosecutors’ claim that the alleged scheme involved betting on specific pitch types.
Details on the pitchers involved
Emmanuel Clase, a three‑time All‑Star and two‑time American League Reliever of the Year, was described by Naylor as having “pretty good command” of his arsenal, with his fastball command surpassing that of his off‑speed offerings. Ortiz, meanwhile, posted a career ERA of 4.36, with his best season coming in 2024 (3.32 ERA).
Prosecutors allege that Clase used his cell phone during games to coordinate with a bettor about which pitch he would throw, and that bettors collected roughly $400,000 from platforms betting on his pitches between 2023 and 2025. The indictment also claims Ortiz joined the alleged scheme in June 2025.
Financial context and contract information
Clase signed a five‑year, $20 million contract before the 2022 season after finishing fifth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. Ortiz was earning the veteran minimum of $782,600 last season, as he had not yet reached arbitration eligibility.
Both pitchers’ performance metrics were noted during testimony. Clase posted a 1.21 ERA in his last full season in 2024, earning a third‑place finish in the American League Cy Young Award voting. By the time the investigation began, his 2025 ERA had risen to 3.80. Ortiz’s career numbers were also referenced, highlighting his consistency as a reliever.
Legal implications and next steps
The case underscores the broader concern among Major League Baseball officials about the integrity of the sport and the potential for gambling influences to affect on‑field actions. While Naylor’s testimony did not directly link the pitchers to illegal betting, it provided insight into the normal strategic processes used by catchers and pitchers.
Prosecutors continue to build their case, and further testimony from additional witnesses is expected in the coming weeks. The outcome could have significant ramifications for MLB’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the game from gambling‑related corruption.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
