NEW YORK — The Houston Astros fired manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow after they were suspended for the entire season on Monday by Major League Baseball for sign-stealing by the team in 2017 and 2018 season.
As part of the punishment handed down by MLB, the team was also fined $5 million and will forfeit its next two first- and second-round draft picks.
Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the discipline and strongly hinted that current Boston manager Alex Cora — the Astros bench coach in 2017 — will face punishment later. Manfred said Cora developed the sign-stealing system used by the Astros.
Manfred said Hinch was aware of the system but did not bring it to the attention of Luhnow. The GM told MLB he was unaware of the system but Manfred held him accountable for the team’s actions. Manfred also said owner Jim Crane was not aware.
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