The MLB has handed down a historic punishment to the Houston Astros, suspending both the team’s general manager Jeff Lunhow and manager AJ Hinch for a year after an investigation concluded the team used technology to steal signs during its 2017 World Series run.
The punishments include a $5 million fine and four forfeited draft picks, potentially decimating one of baseball’s best fanchises. (RELATED: Washington Nationals Take Game One, Defeat Houston Astros 5-4 In World Series)
BREAKING: Houston Astros GM Jeff Luhnow and manager AJ Hinch have been suspended for one year after an MLB investigation found the team used technology to cheat during its World Series-winning 2017 season, sources familiar with the punishment tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 13, 2020
This is an unreal punishment. The league obviously felt that the Astros engaged in some heinous cheating. Houston has won more games than any other team in baseball over the past three years, going to three straight ALCS’, making two World Series appearances, and winning one.
This scandal mars what has been an amazing run, and should seriously impede the team’s chances for future success. The Astros should consider themselves lucky that they didn’t get their 2017 title stripped as well.
The Astros later fired both Lunhow and Hinch, according to multiple reports.
Jim Crane just fired Jeff Luhnow and AJ Hinch.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 13, 2020