When MLB released their findings on the Boston Red Sox sign-stealing investigation the penalty appeared to be a mere slap on the wrist. Blame was pinned on a video replay system operator while everyone else was exonerated, including then-manager Alex Cora, whose one-year suspension is based entirely on his involvement in the Houston Astros scandal.
While commissioner Rob Manfred viewed J.T. Watkins as a rouge employee, absolving the Red Sox coaching staff, front office and ownership of any guilt, he still docked the team a second-round draft pick.
“The club must be held accountable, particularly since the club may have benefited from Watkins’ conduct,” Manfred wrote in his report, per The Athletic.