AJ Hinch, Alex Cora and Carlos Beltran Connected to Astros Electronic Sign-Stealing Scandal

The Houston Astros' controversial 2017 electronic sign-stealing scandal took another turn on Wednesday night.

Per Ken Rosenthal, two MLB managers besides AJ Hinch are connected to the charges -- former Astros bench coach Alex Cora and former Houston DH Carlos Beltran. Both Cora and Beltran are now managing the Red Sox and Mets, respectively.

Hinch is not a surprise here, as the Astros manager was in charge when Houston won the World Series in 2017. Any rumored on-field trickery would go through him. Cora and Beltran's connection, meanwhile, is new.

Per Rosenthal, Cora did not respond for immediate comment. His status as former Houston bench coach makes the now-Red Sox skipper an obvious suspect. Beltran, meanwhile, was a 40-year-old DH in 2017 with the 'Stros, in the final season of his career. The new Mets manager responded to Rosenthal via text message, and actually defended the Astros' actions, albeit not technically admitting they did anything against MLB rules.

“We took a lot of pride studying pitchers in the computer – that is the only technology that I use and I understand,” Beltrán said. “It was fun seeing guys get to the ballpark to look for little details...I don’t call that cheating. I call that using the small details to take advantage. I think baseball is doing a great job adding new technology to make sure the game is even for both teams.”

Beltran won't go as far as to admit the Astros manned a camera in centerfield to steal signs, or that players used that tape to gain an advantage. By hiding under the guise of 'technology', Beltran and others remain in the clear...for now.

This matter is currently under investigation by MLB, and all connections to the incident will surely be addressed at a later date.