Rob Manfred – MLB concerned about gambling threats to players

ARLINGTON, Texas — Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred on Tuesday expressed concern about player safety when it comes to gambling, while expressing confidence in the league’s ability to catch personnel who violate the league’s gambling policies.

Hours before the All-Star Game, Manfred said he had heard from players about threats they were receiving, but he did not provide details.

“If a player receives a threat, regardless of the source or the subject, it is a concern that we take very seriously,” Manfred said. “Over the last month, players have raised this issue with me as a concern and we are discussing what we should do to be more proactive in this area.”

Manfred’s comments follow several player suspensions this season and even a lifetime ban for gambling, combined with a referee currently under investigation for a violation as well.

This also comes just weeks after Shohei OhtaniFormer , Ippei Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud after stealing money from Ohtani to pay his gambling debts.

Manfred believes the league’s association with gaming entities helps monitor their policies. Those companies report violations to the league, which can lead to investigations and heavy penalties. Last month, San Diego Padres Infielder Tucupita Marcano has been banned for life for betting on a member of Pittsburgh Pirates last season. Four other players were suspended for one year.

“I think penalties and demonstrating your ability to understand what’s going on is a deterrent,” Manfred said. “To work your whole life to get to the big leagues, no matter what the role, and lose that because of sports betting, that’s a huge penalty.”

“I honestly believe that we are in a better position to know what is happening today than when everything was illegal.”

Manfred also indicated that discussions have gained momentum regarding the participation of MLB players in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

“We’re discussing what can be done,” Manfred said. “What exactly would that look like. What are the compromises we would have to make in terms of the season. I’m open about that.”

The league could take several different paths to allow players to participate, including shortening the 2028 season by a few games or extending it by a few days or weeks. The league estimates the schedule would be interrupted for about 10 days — in lieu of an All-Star break — and would come a little later than the normal mid-July break. Discussions are still in their early stages and could simply apply to 2028, when the Olympics are held in the United States.

“There is interest from players in this topic,” Manfred said.

Tony Clark, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, said: “The feedback we’ve gotten from players is that they’re interested in participating if given the opportunity.”

Additionally, for safety reasons due to excessive heat, the league is trying to adapt the Oakland Athletics and their opponents next season when the team plays its home games in Sacramento.

There are concerns that temperatures could reach dangerous levels for players playing in what will be MLB’s only outdoor, artificial-surface stadium. Manfred said the goal is to play as many night games there as possible.

“We’re trying to limit the distance clubs have to travel from Sacramento on breakout days,” he said.

Also Tuesday, Manfred said MLB would consider having players wear their team uniforms again for the All-Star Game. Club uniforms were used by the American League from 1933 to 2019 and by the National League from 1934 to 2019. When play resumed in 2021 after the pandemic-related cancellation in 2020, MLB had a uniform deal with Nike and Fanatics, and the All-Stars wore specially designed league uniforms that drew criticism from traditionalists.

This year’s AL uniforms had a sand base with red sleeves and lettering and the NL had a navy base with light blue sleeves and lettering.

“I’m aware of the opinion on this issue,” Manfred said. “I think it’s something we’re going to have a conversation about after the All-Star Game. We have a lot of things to do with uniforms. And, of course, the discussions have to involve the players first and foremost, but also Nike and some of our partners. But I’m aware of the opinion and I know why people like this tradition.”

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.