Earlier today, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, announced the official MLB punishment from the investigation into the Houston Astros’ use of electronics during the 2017 season to steal opposing team’s pitching signs and relay that information to players in the moment.
The Athletic had been working on it’s own investigation into this occurring, cumulating in an article by Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich came out earlier this offseason that highlighted the scandal. This prompted the investigating bodies of the MLB to look into this issue.
Today, the MLB announced their discipline for the Houston Astros as to what comes as a consequence of their cheating. ESPN’s Jeff Passan also reported lots of information that came out of the official MLB release.
Let’s take a look, and after that, I’ll rattle off some quick thoughts about the issue.
As with all breaking news, we will update when more information becomes available.
Tweets Detailing Official MLB Punishment:
BREAKING: Per sources, MLB’s penalties for #Astros include: *One-year suspensions for GM Jeff Luhnow and manager AJ Hinch. *Losses of 1st and 2nd round draft picks in both 2020 and ‘21. *A fine of $5M. Full story and more context with @EvanDrellich: https://t.co/djvKEYFiC7 — Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 13, 2020
More on penalties: MLB has placed former #Astros assistant GM Brandon Taubman on its ineligible list. Discipline for #RedSox manager Alex Cora, the Houston bench coach in 2017, will be determined after MLB completes its investigation of Boston. https://t.co/djvKEYFiC7 — Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 13, 2020
No players were disciplined by Major League Baseball in the Astros’ investigation. While Mets manager Carlos Beltran was part of it, he was a player at the time and thus was not suspended. Discipline for Red Sox manager Alex Cora is coming. It is going to be harsh, per sources. — Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 13, 2020
It is technically not a year-long suspension for Jeff Luhnow and AJ Hinch. Their suspensions begin today and conclude the day after the 2020 World Series ends. It is still a massive suspension — and considering Alex Cora’s apparently culpability, his is bound to be far longer. — Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 13, 2020
Official MLB Statement (PDF) on the Houston Astros:
(Preview) Page One of Nine of Official MLB Statement of the Commissioner in Regards to 2017 Houston Astros Cheating Allegations
