Major League Baseball has concluded it’s investigation and has levied penalties on the Houston Astros after their investigation found the team used technology to cheat during its World Series-winning 2017 season, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
According to an announcement, Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager AJ Hinch have been suspended for one season, the franchise has been fined $5 million and they will also forfeit their first and second round draft picks in 2020 and 2021.
In an official statement, MLB stated that if Luhnow or Hinch “engage in any future material violations” of MLB rules, they will be placed on the league’s permanently ineligible list. No players were disciplined as a result of the investigation.
New York Mets’ manager Carlos Beltran, who was a player with the team during the time, and Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who was the Astros’ bench coach during the 2017 season, were identified as the ring leaders. Beltran was not suspended, as he was only a player at that time, but Cora’s punishment is expected to be harsh.
Cora’s punishment will be announced at the completion of its investigation into the Red Sox’s alleged use of the video replay room to steal signs during the 2018 season.
Manfred said Hinch was aware of the system but did not bring it to the attention of Luhnow, who told MLB that he was unaware of the system.
The investigation found that Astros owner Jim Crane was unaware of the sign-stealing activities by his team.
Considering that the Astros won a World Series while cheating, it seems like a soft price to pay for a championship.