MLB Drops Hammer on Astros Following Cheating Scandal [UPDATE]

After a whole lot of waiting and anticipation, Major League Baseball has brought the hammer down on the Houston Astros after their sign-stealing scandal came to light earlier this offseason. Jeff Passan reports the league has suspended manager AJ Hinch and GM Juff Luhnow for one year, and the franchise was fined $5 million. Houston was also docked draft picks this year and next.

BREAKING: Houston Astros GM Jeff Luhnow and manager AJ Hinch have been suspended for one year after an MLB investigation found the team used technology to cheat during its World Series-winning 2017 season, sources familiar with the punishment tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 13, 2020

Additionally, MLB will fine the Astros $5 million and take away their first- and second-round picks in the 2020 and 2021 drafts, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 13, 2020

This is absolutely massive, and will set a big precedent for other cheating scandals currently under investigation. Passan also reports the punishments are not completely done yet, and current Red Sox manager Alex Cora is expected to receive a punishment as well; he was the bench coach in the years the cheating took place.

No players were disciplined by Major League Baseball in the Astros' investigation. While Mets manager Carlos Beltran was part of it, he was a player at the time and thus was not suspended.

Discipline for Red Sox manager Alex Cora is coming. It is going to be harsh, per sources.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 13, 2020

Here's the statement from MLB commissioner Rob Manfred.

Intro of a nine-page statement from Commissioner Rob Manfred on the Houston investigation. pic.twitter.com/LupM6pKCbH
— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) January 13, 2020

UPDATE: In a press conference following the news of discipline, Astros owner Jim Crane said the organization fired both Hinch and Luhnow in wake of the scandal.

Jim Crane just fired Jeff Luhnow and AJ Hinch.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 13, 2020