The Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal erupted in November 2019 when reporters Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich exposed the team's illegal use of a video camera system to steal opposing catchers' signs during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. An MLB investigation confirmed in January 2020 that players banged on a trash can to signal upcoming pitches, a scheme that helped them win the 2017 World Series, and it resulted in the most severe sanctions in MLB history: a $5 million fine, forfeited draft picks, and suspensions for general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch (who were fired shortly after). The probe also implicated Red Sox manager Alex Cora and Mets manager Carlos Beltrán, though no players were punished due to immunity for cooperation, and the Astros retained their championship title. The scandal dominated the 2019–2020 offseason, drew fierce criticism from players across the league, and sparked lawsuits against the team and MLB, while also revealing that the operation had originated as early as the 2016 season.