Major League Baseball has committed to fully cooperating with a United States Senate committee investigating gambling practices within the sport. Commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed the league will provide all requested documents detailing its gambling investigations.
Senate Scrutiny and MLB's Response
The inquiry was initiated by Sens. Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, who sent a formal letter to Commissioner Manfred on Monday. They demanded information be submitted by December 5.
This political scrutiny follows the shocking indictments of Cleveland pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, who are accused of accepting bribes to manipulate pitches for sports bettors. Both athletes have entered not guilty pleas.
"We're going to respond fully and cooperatively and on time to the Senate inquiry," Manfred stated during a Wednesday news conference at an owners' meeting.
New Betting Restrictions Implemented
In a significant move to address integrity concerns, MLB announced just two days after the November 9 indictments that its authorised gaming operators will implement strict new betting limits. Wagers on individual pitches will be capped at $200 and excluded from parlay bets.
"We think the steps we've taken in terms of limiting the size of these prop bets and prohibiting parlays off them is a really, really significant change that should reduce the incentive for anyone to be involved in an inappropriate way," Manfred explained.
Ongoing Investigations and Player Support
Manfred revealed that MLB's internal investigation into the Cleveland pitchers remains ongoing without a fixed completion date. Ortiz was placed on paid leave on July 3 and Clase on July 28. Neither player will accumulate additional salary until opening day on March 25.
"We think that we should take advantage of the offseason to make sure that we conduct the most thorough and complete investigation possible," the Commissioner noted.
The league is also providing support for players who have received gambling-related threats following the landmark 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalised sports betting across most states. "We have had in place for some time services that are available to players that receive threats of this kind," Manfred said, emphasising the seriousness with which MLB treats these issues.
Regarding prediction markets where contracts are traded based on actual game events, Manfred indicated it was too early for MLB to take a definitive public position. "We're well aware of the issues, the different regulatory framework, but not in a position where I want to articulate publicly a position on it," he stated.
The Commissioner also addressed broader league matters, including collective bargaining negotiations for the labour contract replacing the deal expiring in December 2026. While avoiding specific details about management's positions, he acknowledged fan concerns about competitive balance but stopped short of confirming any push for a salary cap system.
MLB expects to lock out players on December 2, 2026, aiming to secure an agreement without shortening the 2027 season. "There has never been a lost game since I became involved as an employee of baseball and it is my goal to get this next one done keeping that record intact," said Manfred, who joined MLB's staff in 1998.
