Astros: Three key takeaways from MLB sign stealing report

Cora In Deep Trouble

While Hinch was not involved in the sign stealing, his second-in-command was. Cora was very much involved in the whole operation and was an active participant. The fact that he was so much involved is what led the players to think it was acceptable for them to do it.

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Cora has escaped punishment for now, but not for long. He’s also under investigation for some alleged electronic sign stealing undertaken by the Red Sox club he managed in 2018. Upon the conclusion of those investigations, he’s expected to be disciplined severely.

That could mean a number of possibilities, but it looks like he should at least get a suspension equal to Hinch’s. At this point, he’s probably hoping for that. But with all things considered, I would expect something worse.

With an apparent central role in two separate violations with two separate clubs, Cora could be looking at a suspension spanning multiple years, possibly even for life. It’s unlikely he survives this as Red Sox manager, as Boston would probably have no choice but to move on to someone else.

While Hinch and Luhnow will likely get new jobs in the league after their suspensions are up, Cora’s very future in this game is currently in jeopardy. Even if he avoids a lifetime ban, it’ll be hard for a team to justify putting him in a dugout ever again.