Steve Pearce, the former World Series MVP, expressed his strong disapproval of Major League Baseball’s probe into allegations that the 2018 Red Sox engaged in illegal sign stealing similar to the 2017 Houston Astros. Pearce, who played a crucial role in Boston’s World Series victory over the Dodgers, emphasized that the team had rightfully earned their championship and wants to move past the controversy.
Following his candid remarks about the investigation, Pearce surprisingly announced his retirement after a decade-long career that spanned seven teams. The 37-year-old veteran, known for his clutch performance with the Red Sox, including hitting three home runs in the World Series, decided to step away from the game.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is expected to disclose the findings of the investigation once the season can safely resume amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation became even more complex as Alex Cora, who was associated with both the Astros and the Red Sox during the suspected cheating scandals, mutually parted ways with Boston in January.
“It’s disheartening, especially considering our championship victory and the personal recognition I received,” Pearce expressed. “We had an incredible journey with a great team dynamic, and now this shadow lingers over us. We just want to move on and focus on playing baseball. It’s just another obstacle we have to navigate,” Pearce added.
