Updated Jan 13, 2020 - Sports

Houston Astros fire manager, GM after suspension for sign-stealing

Ursula Perano

Photo: Cooper Neill/MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Houston Astros have fired general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager AJ Hinch after an MLB investigation revealed that the team used technology to illegally steal signs during its 2017 World Series run, AP reports.

Why it matters: The MLB had issued one-year suspensions for Luhnow and Hinch, one of the harshest punishments the league has ever handed down. In addition to the suspensions, the team will also lose its first- and second-round picks in the 2020 and 2021 drafts and be hit with a $5 million fine, per The Athletic.

The big picture: The Athletic reported in November that the Astros stole opposing teams' signs during 2017 home games by using a camera in center field, a scheme led by bench coach Alex Cora.

An anonymous source told The Athletic that the Boston Red Sox, who have since hired Cora as their manager, also stole signs during their 2018 World Series championship season.

Go deeper: MLB sign-stealing scandal broadens with 2018 Red Sox accusations

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Houston Astros fire manager, GM after suspension for sign-stealing

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