ESPN has learned that catchers and pitchers will have the option to use newly-tried signaling devices when deciding which pitches to throw to the hitters.
This technology could be used to help Major League Baseball overcome the scandals of sign-stealing that have plagued it over the past decade.
MLB will give players the go-ahead to use what is known within the industry as PitchCom. A pad with buttons at the wrist of the gloved hands allows a catcher signal pitches to the pitcher.
Three teammates, including the pitcher and catcher, will have access to the signals. This aids fielders in positioning.
The tradition of baseball can often slow down the pace of change. But the first PitchCom reviews this spring were positive. Players raved about the ease of electronic pitch-signaling, which allows for smoother movement of the pitchers.
New York YankeesThe pitcher Luis SeverinoThe catcher Kyle HigashiokaPitchCom was used in a Saturday game.
Severino stated to reporters that he thought it was “great.” “I was initially a bit skeptical, but once we started using it, I was impressed — and there was even a man on the second. It is something I would love to use in my first start. [of the regular season]. … You’re sure what pitch you’re going for.
Catchers and pitchers will still have the option to use the traditional signaling method — catchers flashing their throwing hand in coded sequences so that the pitcher can see it.
PitchCom is certain to be used widely in the sport, as players become more familiar with it and because of the ongoing concern about sign-stealing by rivals.
Pitchers and catchers are concerned about illegal sign-stealing by baserunners or coaches. But, over the years, cases of illicit sign-stealing have been reported.
The 2017 World Series champion was one of the most iconic moments in baseball history. Houston AstrosThe Commissioner’s Office found that the Astros used a sign theft system to identify forthcoming pitches for their hitters. It was based on a TV monitor installed behind the Astros’ Dugout.
These revelations led to the firings of Manager A.J. and Jeff Luhnow, general manager. Hinch, as well as the suspension of Alex Cora (the bench coach for 2017 Astros). Cora managed to manage the Boston Red SoxHe was awarded the 2018 World Series title but resigned after being suspended. Boston hired him again before the 2021 season.
Hinch is now manager of the Detroit Tigers.
Carlos Beltran was an Astros player in 2017. After his role in the Houston sign-stealing scandal was revealed, Beltran resigned as the Astros’ manager. New York MetsHe was about to start what was likely to be his first year of spring training in that capacity.
Beltran told the YES Network in an interview that the Astros believed other teams were guilty too of stealing signs. Houston wanted to counter those efforts.
MLB also looked into the sign-stealing issues of the Red Sox, Yankees and other teams. While there are concerns about whether the PitchCom technology might be hacked while a game is underway, an executive recently stated that the NFL has been using signaling technology for many years. For example, the NFL employs listening devices in the helmets of its quarterbacks.