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- calendar_today November 6, 2026
Bo Naylor Testifies He Was Unaware of Pitch Betting
Former Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor appeared as a defense witness Thursday in a New York sports betting trial involving his ex-teammates, pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz. Naylor, who was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in August, testified that he did not know gamblers could place bets on individual pitches until after the criminal investigation began.
Naylor's Testimony During Cross-Examination
Called out of turn as he is heading to his wedding, Naylor faced cross-examination from Assistant U.S. Attorney James Simmons. Simmons asked whether Naylor was aware at the time that people could bet tens of thousands of dollars on each pitch; Naylor replied, "I didn't know that before. I didn't know that until the situation." A follow-up question was interrupted when defense lawyers' objection was sustained, limiting further inquiry on Naylor's awareness of gambling practices.
Sports Betting Expansion and Prop Bets
Naylor's testimony underscored the rapid rise of sports wagering in recent years, with legal sports betting now permitted in 39 states following a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision. Betting on the outcome of single pitches, known as prop betting, is among the popular offerings, focusing on outcomes like balls or strikes and other specific player accomplishments.
Reviewing 2025 Game Footage and Pitcher Strategy
Defense lawyers for Clase and Ortiz questioned Naylor while showing him dozens of clips from 2025 games, during which he caught for both pitchers. Naylor explained the dynamics of catcher-pitcher communication and strategy, emphasizing that catchers recommend pitch type and location after analysis of opposing batters' tendencies. He noted, however, that even skilled pitchers, such as three-time All-Star Clase, could not guarantee perfect pitch placement every time.
Prosecutors Outline Gambling Scheme Allegations
Clase, 28, and Ortiz, 27, have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges filed a year ago. Authorities allege both received payments from sports gamblers to provide information about upcoming pitches, allowing the gamblers to win at least $460,000 by betting on individual pitches. Prosecutors stated that Clase started the scheme in 2023, later recruiting Ortiz during the 2025 season when Ortiz was a starter for the Guardians. Both players are currently free on bail and on leave from their team without pay.
Naylor's Relationship with Accused Pitchers
Naylor acknowledged during testimony that, while able to communicate in Spanish with Clase and Ortiz, he was not particularly close friends with either. Prosecutors also highlighted that Naylor had observed Clase frequently on his phone in the locker room, a behavior alleged to be related to gambler communications and in violation of Major League Baseball rules. Naylor confirmed that pitchers have the final say in selecting pitches, as they can override the catcher’s suggestions.
Additional Testimony and Context
During questioning by defense attorney Michael Ferrara, Naylor mentioned hearing rumors in the clubhouse about Clase's involvement in cockfighting—legal in the Dominican Republic—rather than sports gambling. Clase’s defense argued to the jury that his interests lay in cockfights and playing dominoes, not betting on baseball games.
Source: abcnews.com.
