After months of speculation about what would happen to Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz after they were placed on non-displinacy paid leave amid a gambling investigation, the Department of Justice announced on Sunday that the duo of pitchers had been indictment on charges related to gambling on MLB games.

For now, MLB has released a statement on the matter but hasn’t issued its own punishments for the alleged activity. That said, players who have been under investigation for similar cases have found themselves banned from Major League Baseball for life.

The next steps for the Cleveland Guardians as they look to put a World Series contender on the field in 2026 is to prepare for the worst; prepare that Clase and Ortiz could have thrown their last pitch in MLB. 

Cade Smith Becomes Cleveland’s Full-Time Closer

After Emmanuel Clase was placed on leave at the end of July, Cade Smith efficiently became Cleveland’s new closer, and he excelled in that new role. In his 2.51 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, and 13 saves during the final two months of the regular season. His strikeout rate even improved in those high-leverage situations.

Now, Cade can prepare physically and mentally to be the Guardians’ closer this offseason and hopefully come into spring training even more prepared for the role than in the middle of the season when he was forced into it. 

Do The Guardians Need To Add To Their Starting Pitching Depth?

The Guardians traded for Luis Ortiz last offseason because they recognized their need for more pitching.

Even with Ortiz out of the picture, Cleveland is in a good spot in terms of their starting pitching. They still have Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, Slade Cecconi, Logan Allen, Parker Messick, and Joey Cantillo. Looking at the prospects, Doug Nikhazy and Daniel Espino could also be options next year.

Cleveland could always go out and sign a veteran arm, but even with Ortiz potentially no longer being in the picture, the Guardians are still in a solid position with their pitching depth.

Guardians Current Payroll Position

Potentially the most impactful outcome of Clase and Ortiz no longer being in the picture for the Guardians is how it affects the payroll situation.

Ortiz was still in his pre-arbitration years, so he was set to make just under $800K next season, but Clase’s contract is much more substantial. In total, about $7.2 million could come off the books for Cleveland.

Even for a team as cost-conscious as the Guardians, that could be enough to give Cleveland the chance to supplement the roster, and that’s a route the organization must take.