Exclusive: MLB Set to Pass New Rules Designed to Crack Down on Sign Stealing

Rob Manfred believed that the paranoia surrounding sign stealing was slowing down the game. Expect these rules to be in place by the beginning of the season.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Major League Baseball is cracking down on high-tech sign stealing. It is banning all non-broadcast outfield cameras from foul pole to foul pole as well as tightening restrictions on in-house video, several sources familiar with the new rules told SI. Teams violating the protocols face penalties that include the loss of draft picks and international spending money.

Commissioner Rob Manfred believed the restrictions were necessary because high-tech sign stealing grew more prevalent and slowed the pace of play because of…