Clase-Ortiz Pitch-Rigging Trial and Clase's Contract Outlook

The federal trial of Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz began in New York on November 2; both have pleaded not guilty and remain on unpaid leave. Prosecutors allege at least $460,000 in winnings, coded messages, and a fourth defendant; jury selection began, and a judge barred evidence about Clase’s alleged tax debt. Cleveland is reportedly expected to decline Clase’s 2027 option.