Ex-Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor testifies he didn’t know gamblers bet on individual pitches

Catcher Bo Naylor testified that he was unaware individuals could bet on individual pitches in baseball until the case against former Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz emerged. Called as a defense witness unexpectedly due to his upcoming wedding, Naylor revealed this under cross-examination by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Simmons.

When asked if he was aware of such bets during 2025 recorded games shown to the Brooklyn jury, Naylor responded, "I didn't know that before. I didn't know that until the situation." The testimony highlights the rapid growth of sports betting in recent years, with legal betting now available in 39 U.S. states since its legalization in 2018.

Prop bets, which focus on individual player performances like strikeout counts in baseball, are a popular form of wager. Naylor, who was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in August 2025 just weeks before his team won the World Series, testified about catchers informing pitchers of the pitch type and location for each at-bat. He also explained that pitchers, even the best, cannot guarantee their pitches will land where intended.

Clase, a three-time All-Star and two-time American League Reliever of the Year, and Ortiz, 27, pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges after being accused of accepting payments from gamblers in exchange for betting information on individual pitches. Prosecutors claimed the scheme generated at least $460,000 in profits, with Clase earning $782,600 in 2025 as a Guardian.

Both players are currently on bail and placed on neutral, non-disciplinary leave while facing prosecution. Naylor, who learned Spanish to communicate better with teammates, admitted he was not close friends with Clase or Ortiz and mentioned hearing rumors from clubhouse discussions about Clase's involvement in cockfighting and dominoes due to his Dominican Republic background.