Nick Markakis: Astros players ‘deserve a beating’ for stealing signs

There has been no shortage of outrage expressed across Major League Baseball over the Houston Astros’ cheating scandal, but Nick Markakis appears to feel a bit more strongly about the situation than most.

With a lot of talk over the past few weeks about pitchers intentionally throwing at Astros hitters in 2020, Markakis made it clear on Tuesday that he believes Houston players deserve whatever happens to them this season. The Atlanta Braves outfielder went as far as to say “every single guy over there deserves a beating.”

VIDEO: Nick Markakis shares his thoughts on the Astros scandal. #Braves pic.twitter.com/Tqt429610y

— 680 The Fan (@680TheFan) February 18, 2020

Markakis said MLB commissioner Rob Manfred “should be embarrassed of himself” for letting every Astros player off the hook.

“What they did was bulls—. I know how hard this game is and I know how hard preparing for this game is,” Markakis told reporters. “To see something like that is damaging to baseball. It’s anger. I feel every single guy over there deserves a beating.”

We’ve heard a lot of strong comments from players around the league, but those are certainly some of the most intense. Even Mike Trout, who hardly ever shares his thoughts on controversial issues, came down hard on the Astros this week. One pitcher openly admitted that he has considered throwing at Astros hitters, and the consensus seems to be that Houston players could be plunked regularly in 2020.

With the way players have been talking, it would be a surprise if there weren’t multiple incidents involving Astros players this season. The general feeling around the league is that MLB failed to adequately punish players for their role in the sign-stealing scheme.

The Houston Astros are confirmed cheaters and deserve an asterisk. Send that message by wearing our Houston Asterisks T-shirt! You can buy it here: