Report: MLB expanding probe of Astros' sign-stealing system
Major League Baseball is expanding its probe of the 2017 Houston Astros' sign-stealing system, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. The league is now investigating whether other teams, including the 2019 Astros, stole signs illegally using technology.
Current Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who was a bench coach with the 2017 Astros, and New York Mets skipper Carlos Beltran, who played for Houston that season, have been identified as playing key roles in devising an electronic sign-stealing system, Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich of The Athletic reported. The league plans to interview both Cora and Beltran, along with Houston manager AJ Hinch.
The league's investigation is expected to include people from the Red Sox organization and the 2019 Astros, according to Passan.
Additionally, the scope could widen. Beyond Cora, Beltran, and Hinch, MLB's Department of Investigations is reportedly compiling a list of players, managers, coaches, and other team personnel to interview. Astros bullpen coach Craig Bjornson - who joined Cora's staff in Boston before the 2018 season - has already spoken to the league, and former Astros assistant general manager Brandon Taubman is expected to be interviewed.
Meanwhile, any conversations between the league and players would need to be approved by the MLBPA.
This latest controversy stems from an interview with current Oakland A's right-hander Mike Fiers. The former Astros hurler confirmed that Houston was using an outfield camera to illegally steal signs during the 2017 season.
There's no word on what type of penalties teams could face as a result of MLB's investigation.