So I guess that means the Red Sox's 2018 banner was tainted.
Seems likely, even if the players weren't involved.
How were the players not involved? Maybe it wasn’t their idea, but they certainly (and knowingly) benefited from it. Which makes this all the more crazy. Did they really think every player and staff member involved would keep this secret forever?
The most bizarre part of all of this is that it actually worked. I know the Yankees made complaints against both teams. And in an even more bizarre twist, upon fining the Red Sox after investigating the Yankees complaint.... went ahead and fined the Yankees too for something in the past (completely unrelated to sign-stealing), which looks consistent with what MLB is doing now (telling all teams to keep quiet about their displeasure with the punishment, or else), trying to cover this up as much as possible.
So they let this fester much longer than it should have, and then when the Athletic’s article uncovered everything, they had no choice but to give the Astros a slap on the wrist (which is all their penalty really is).
Manfred is trying to save face but he’s botching this. Apparently a lot of owners are not happy with this punishment (not severe enough), and that may lead to more issues.