Red Sox nation is breathing easier today ... MLB just released its findings from its probe into cheating allegations -- and Boston's coming away with nothing more than a slap on the wrist.
The MLB found the Sox DID violate sign-stealing rules and regulations ... but commissioner Rob Manfred says the rule-breaking was minor, and handed down minimal punishment.
Here's the deal ... Manfred says Red Sox staffer J.T. Watkins was officially responsible for LEGALLY decoding opponents' signs -- but took it too far at points during the 2018 season.
Manfred says Watkins ILLEGALLY used in-game live footage to help him with his sign-decoding assignments .