SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Although Major League Baseball will interview Carlos Beltran and Alex Cora about sign-stealing allegations involving the Houston Astros, the league does not have either accusations or evidence that would point to severe discipline for either, according to a person familiar with the investigation.
Beltran was a member of the 2017 World Series champs, and Cora was the bench coach. The Athletic this week quoted former Astros pitcher Mike Fiers confirming longstanding allegations that Houston uses cameras and audio signals to cheat.
The story came less than a month after SNY reported that the Yankees believed the Astros were whistling to convey signs during this year's American League Championship Series.
Beltran and Cora -- now the managers of the Mets and Red Sox, respectively -- have long been known for their skills at picking up on pitch tipping and other hidden elements the game.
Beltran denies knowing about cameras in Houston. Cora has declined comment. One source said that, while with Houston, Cora was part of the whistling system.
According to sources, the standard for a suspension of either manager would be very high -- for example, they would have to be caught with an earpiece in the dugout or some other extreme action -- and there is no evidence or indication yet to suggest that will happen.
It is early in the process, and unexpectedly damning proof could still emerge. But as of now, Beltran and Cora appear safe from serious sanctions.
Before leaving the general managers' meetings on Thursday morning, Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen said that he had not yet spoken to Beltran about the issue.
"Anything that happened, happened for another organization with Houston," Van Wagenen said. "I have no idea if anything did or did not (happen). But at this point, I don't see any reason why this is a Mets situation."