Do the Houston Astros Deserve Their Cheating Reputation Entering the 2023 MLB Season?

The 2017 Houston Astros' cheating scandal has a history of leaving a lasting impact on the franchise. However, it's essential to consider whether the team still deserves this reputation entering the 2023 MLB season.

Historical Context of the Cheating Scandal

The 2017 season marked the last time the Houston Astros were associated with a cheating scandal. The edition of the franchise that utilized the trash can plan indeed deserved the cheating reputation. However, the team's ownership and management were not penalized for their actions. This is a significant point because as Crane found his scapegoats, the buck did not stop at the top. The baseball commissioner, who works for the owners, was complicit in the cover-up.

Crane claimed ignorance of the plan, but this claim is questionable. Other players and coaches at the time were aware of the scheme. Nevertheless, the team’s reputation endures, and this legacy is still associated with the franchise.

Management Changes and Lessons Learned

Those players and coaches involved in the cheating scandal are long gone, and the well-earned reputation remains. It is important to note that the individuals who planned, organized, and directed the plan—Carolo Beltran and Alex Cora—have been replaced. Cora resigned after the incident for a year to avoid further scrutiny. These changes reflect a commitment to moving forward and learning from past mistakes.

Since the incident, the Astros have undergone significant roster changes, resulting in a new team dynamic. They have lost to the Atlanta Braves in 2021 but triumphed by winning the World Series in 2022. These recent events indicate that the team has moved past the scandal and improved in other areas.

Roster Changes and Legacy

The legacy of the cheating scandal is partially tied to the current roster. Key players like Yuli Gurriel, Jose Altuve, and Alex Bregman were on the 2017 roster but were not involved in the cheating. Some remain in the current lineup, such as Justin Verlander and Lance McCullers Jr., who had nothing to do with the trash can incident.

The individuals blamed for the incident—Carolo Beltran, Alex Cora, and GM Jeff Luhnow—have faced various consequences. Beltran lost his job and likely support for the Hall of Fame. Luhnow was banned from the industry, and AJ Hinch now manages the Detroit Tigers. These changes reflect the team's effort to distance itself from the past and move forward.

Comparison with Other Teams

It's also instructive to compare how the Astros' handling of the scandal is viewed in light of other teams. For example, the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox have both been implicated in similar scandals, yet they continue to be respected in the league. The Red Sox's handling of Alex Cora returning with open arms despite his involvement in the Astros scandal highlights the complexity of these issues.

Overall, the 2023 MLB season marks a new chapter for the Houston Astros. The team has undergone significant changes and proven its worth through playoff performances. The lasting reputation is a reflection of the past, but it does not define the present and future.