Mike Fiers Says He's Been Receiving Death Threats Ever Since Coming Forward About Astros Scandal

Earlier in the offseason, Oakland Athletics pitcher Mike Fiers stepped forward and provided an on-the-record recollection of the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scheme when he was a member of the team during the 2017 season.

Even though he's viewed as a heroic whistleblower, he's had his fair share of critics, especially from Astros fans.

In fact, Fiers revealed that he's received death threats since his comments about Houston's cheating began the league's investigation.

“Whatever, I don’t care,” Fiers said, via the Houston Chronicle. “I’ve dealt with a lot of death threats before. It’s just another thing on my plate.”

Backlash was expected for Fiers given the magnitude of the situation. Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed during his press conference this past Sunday that he will provide the Athletics pitcher with extra protection to ensure his safety.

On top of that threats, players and media personalities have criticized Fiers. Astros shortstop Carlos Correa said that Fiers should apologize for benefitting from the scandal and earning a World Series ring. Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz also entered the fray, calling Fiers a "snitch" for coming out with the details of the scandal two years after it happened.

Fiers even went as far to say he'd return his championship ring if other members of the team did so.

We'll see what kind of reception he gets from the fans when the A's visit Houston to take on the Astros in their scheduled divisional series in 2020.