MLB Reportedly Offered Lesser Punishment to Players for Information Into Astros' Sign-Stealing
By Karl Rasmussen
Major League Baseball's investigation into the Houston Astros is going to be an extensive one, and it looks as if the league is trying to obtain information by any means necessary.
ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that the league was apparently telling players they could avoid punishment if they came forth with some more information into the alleged sign-stealing conducted by the Astros.
Much more news in this story. Players are being told they may avoid punishment in exchange for the truth. MLB is searching Astros’ front-office employees’ phones to cull information. Some former players are refusing to cooperate with the probe. Details: https://t.co/q2nNzg6n9G
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 23, 2019
Passan reported that players are being questioned about the alleged use of electronic band-aids or buzzers by Astros batters, which were said to relay information to the batter.
While players would be given more lenient punishments in exchange for answers, Passan reports that Astros executives and front office members are still expected to face "significant punishments" if found guilty.
The league's investigation is reportedly so thorough that Astros' front office members cell phone's are being examined for data.
The seeming absurdity of these tactics — none of which has been proven — speaks to the climate of paranoia in baseball fomented by the Astros. Secret camera feeds and beating on a trash can seemed crazy … until Mike Fiers went on the record with The Athletic to say it wasn’t.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 23, 2019
Passan also claims that some players are refusing to cooperate with the investigation, making it far more difficult for the league to get the facts straight.
Despite the various accusations of sign stealing that have been made against the Astros, the MLB has yet to find any concrete proof of their misdoings.
This investigation will carry on for a long time, but it looks like the league isn't cutting any corners when trying to decipher fact from fiction.