Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred reaffirmed the league’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the sport amid growing scrutiny of legalized sports gambling, saying MLB has been “really vigilant” as betting-related scandals ripple through professional sports.
Manfred’s comments come in the wake of high-profile arrests across the NBA — including Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former player and coach Damon Jones — for alleged involvement in fraudulent betting activity. The incidents have reignited concerns over how leagues are monitoring betting behavior in an increasingly gambling-driven sports culture.
“Our No. 1 priority is to protect the integrity of the game,” Manfred said. “We’ve been vigilant and proactive, and we’re moving as fast as we can to make sure we stay ahead of any threats to baseball’s credibility.”
Manfred confirmed that MLB is actively investigating Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, after a betting integrity firm flagged multiple suspicious wagers in June. According to reports, the bets included so-called “microbets” — wagers placed on specific in-game events such as whether a pitch would be a ball or strike.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has since called for a statewide ban on such microbets, citing the risk they pose to the integrity of professional sports. MLB has reportedly been in direct correspondence with DeWine regarding the issue.
While Manfred said the league is “going as fast as we can” to conclude the investigation into Clase and Ortiz, he cautioned that “a resolution is not expected in the near term.”
The ongoing probe follows a series of disciplinary actions by MLB over the past year. In June 2024, the league issued a lifetime ban to San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano and handed down one-year suspensions to four other players for betting on baseball. Earlier this year, MLB fired umpire Pat Hoberg for violating league gambling policies.
Despite these controversies, Manfred defended MLB’s partnerships with sports betting companies, arguing that cooperation with regulated operators helps the league detect irregular wagering patterns.
“To properly police the betting landscape, we need access to the data and systems that these companies provide,” Manfred said. “It’s not about promoting gambling — it’s about monitoring it effectively.”
In his wide-ranging remarks, Manfred also addressed — though briefly — other major league topics. He declined to discuss impending labor negotiations, with the current collective-bargaining agreement (CBA) set to expire on December 1, 2026. A potential battle over the league’s long-discussed desire for a salary cap is expected to dominate those talks.
Manfred expressed satisfaction with MLB’s expanded 12-team postseason format, which was introduced in the last CBA.
“I really like the way 12 has played out,” Manfred said. “The wild-card round feels like real baseball — series play, not single games. We’ve had great postseasons under this system.”
On international competition, Manfred said progress has been made toward allowing MLB players to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, though several logistical challenges remain.
“The owners would love to make it happen,” Manfred said. “But there are still issues with scheduling and the All-Star Game that need to be worked out. I’m hopeful we can get there.”
Manfred also gave an update on Tampa Bay’s Tropicana Field, which suffered severe roof damage from Hurricane Milton, forcing the Rays to play in a minor league stadium during the 2025 season.
“It’s certainly going to be open very early next year,” Manfred said. “We’re confident the renovations will be complete in time for the home opener.”
Finally, the commissioner praised Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, whose global appeal continues to boost the sport’s international profile.
“Shohei Ohtani is the greatest benefit to the game that you can imagine,” Manfred said. “He’s helped expand baseball’s footprint around the world in a way few players ever have.”
As legalized sports betting continues to grow, MLB’s balancing act between business opportunity and competitive integrity remains one of its most complex challenges — and one Manfred insists the league is determined to handle “with vigilance and transparency.”
