MLB reportedly proposing multiple measures to prevent sign-stealing

Major League Baseball is pondering aggressive steps to make sure it does not have to deal with another Houston Astros-type scandal in the future.

MLB is floating several proposals to cut down on sign-stealing, according to Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic. Three in particular are being focused on. One would prohibit a batter from reviewing scouting cards or other information while at bat. Another would prohibit club employees from printing and delivering information to the dugout mid-game.

MLB has also proposed allowing pitchers and catchers to use a wireless system to communicate during games, and has made the technology available during spring training on a voluntary basis. The thinking is that this would eliminate the need to rely on signs to decide which pitch to throw.

While the Astros are the most egregious example, other teams have also been sanctioned for sign-stealing schemes in recent years. With the increased focus on the practice, it makes sense that MLB would want to eliminate it as much as possible. Whether any of these proposals would actually do that, however, is an open question given the wide array of ways to get information to players.

Photo: Oct 27, 2021; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve warms up before playing the Atlanta Braves in game two of the 2021 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports