If Manfred has access to FBI evidence, and it’s compelling, then he has to take a strong stance. We’re talking Federal crimes and a violation of MLB players association agreement. If Pete Rose got a lifetime ban (who I know bet on baseball games) then what does Ohtani merit.
And, since Ohtani was kind enough to defer his earnings, what are the potential damages from being suspended for 1 or 2 years?
There is probably a plea deal in his future as well as the FBI will probably go hard on this because they like the headlines.
Of course, Manfred has never been accused of doing the right thing…