MLB recently made an example out of the Astros with the punishment for the signing stealing incidents. A clear message to other teams and players that cheating will not be tolerated in any capacity.
The Astros’ penalty is that GM Jeff Luhnow and manager AJ Hinch were given 1-year suspensions. Instead, they were later let go. The Astros will lose their first and second-round draft picks along with a $5 million dollar fine. A punishment that could have lasting effects for many years.
The Astros have been accused of stealing signs during the playoffs and their respected World Series run. The instant replay was a resource they used to help steal the signs of their opponents in recent seasons. Instant replay should only be used to make sure that the game is being played fairly. There seems to be enough evidence that the league was justified in handing out punishment for this.
MLB Making an Example of the Astros
MLB wants to set an example for other teams, executives and players that it will not be tolerated. The Astros’ reputation seems to now have taken a hit that will last many years. This could affect their ability to sign players or even work with other teams. They will not be trusted for a while because of it.
Losing draft picks may not seem like a big deal now but it will in 5 years because they will not have those prospects to look forward to. The fine could hurt as they could have used those $ 5 million dollars elsewhere.
The Red Sox are in a similar situation as the Astros though their punishment has not been announced. But their manager Alex Cora was fired amid the sign-stealing accusations. They could face a similar punishment as the Astros. This will be a story that will continue through the 2020 season and beyond.
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