MLB owners wanted to crack down on the tactic because of concerns that first and third base coaches were moving up and down the foul line to try to get a better view of the pitcher, according to ESPN. If those coaches discovered what pitch was coming, they would supposedly relay that information directly to the batter or a runner at second base, who could tell the batter what pitch was coming.
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The league attempted to curb the tactic during the 2025 World Series, when it told the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays to ensure their first- and third-base coaches remained in designated on-field coaching boxes.
With the creation of PitchCom, the art of stealing receiver signs has virtually become extinct throughout the league. Because MLB teams will try to exploit any possible advantage, teams and coaches have resorted to extensive film study before games, trying to find cues from the pitcher or catcher to determine which pitch will come next. Unlike the pitch-stealing scandal involving the Houston Astros during the 2017 MLB season, this version of pitch-stealing is completely legal as it does not rely on the use of technology in the game.
In 2017, the Astros were accused of using cameras and video monitors to steal signs from their opponents. After MLB conducted an investigation into those claims, commissioner Rob Manfred announced one-year suspensions for then-Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow and then-manager AJ Hinch. Shortly after those suspensions were announced, the Astros fired both men.
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Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora was later suspended for one year for his role in the scandal. Cora previously coached with the Astros before being hired by the Red Sox in 2018. The Red Sox released Cora before the 2020 season, but brought him back for the 2021 MLB season.
Players and coaches can steal pitchers’ signs or catches during games without the use of technology, but MLB reportedly felt that first and third base coaches were getting too brazen with their tactics, according to ESPN.
The MLB rule book states that first and third base coaches must remain in their coaches’ box from the moment the pitcher steps on the pitching plate until the moment the catcher catches the ball or puts it into play. Coaches, however, may leave the coaches’ box for safety reasons.
Under the new rule, first and third base coaches will receive a warning for their first violation. After that, coaches could be thrown out of games for leaving the coaches’ box too early, according to ESPN.