A.J. Hinch, Alex Cora & Carlos Beltran To Be Interviewed In Astros Sign-Stealing Probe

Three MLB managers are expected to be interviewed as part of the league’s investigation into the Astros’ alleged sign-stealing practices: Houston’s A.J. Hinch, the Mets’ Carlos Beltran and the Boston Red Sox’ Alex Cora.

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Hinch was the Astros’ manager in 2017, while Cora served as the team’s bench coach and Beltran was a designated hitter and center-fielder for Houston that year, which marked his final season as an MLB player. According to The Athletic, the three managers are believed to have played a major role in the scandal, which revolved around the Astros’ use of electronic devices to steal signals from other teams during the 2017 season that culminated in them winning the World Series. The Athletic reported that two years ago, Houston’s players allegedly attempted to decipher opposing team’s signs and then hit a garbage can in the dugout to notify their pitchers of an impending off-speed throw. The Astros reportedly used a TV monitor near the dugout steps that provided a feed of center field at Minute Maid Park. MLB rules dictate that sign-stealing is permitted as long as electronic devices like TV monitors and cameras are not used.

According to CBS Sports, Beltran denied using prohibited electronic devices to steal signals and said any such scheme happened legally. Cora told reporters on Thursday that he refused to comment on the controversy until the investigation was finished.

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Incidentally enough, the Red Sox also engaged in a sign-stealing plot in 2017 that included the use of Apple Watches. The team was fined an undisclosed amount. However, Cora did not join the team as manager until 2018.

According to ESPN, other figures MLB is set to interview as part of the probe into the Astros’ sign-stealing include former Houston assistant GM Brandon Taubman and the Red Sox’ Craig Bjornson, who was a bullpen coach for the Astros in 2017.