Report: Pitchers, catchers to be allowed to use anti-sign-stealing tech

Major League Baseball pitchers and catchers will have the option of using devices aimed at curbing sign-stealing this season, sources told ESPN's Buster Olney.

The league is expected to green-light the use of the device, known as PitchCom, which consists of a pad with buttons on the catcher's glove-hand wrist. The catcher can use the pad to signal pitch types and locations directly to the pitcher on the mound through a listening device.

Up to three teammates will also have access to the relayed signals, which will help with fielding positions.

While the use of PitchCom won't be mandatory, it has been tested in spring games, and the reviews have been largely positive.

"I think it was great," New York Yankees right-hander Luis Severino told reporters. "I was a little doubtful at the beginning, but when we started using it, it was really good - with a man on second, too. I would definitely like to use it in my first start (of the regular season). ... You know what pitch you're going to throw right away."

In addition to helping curb potential sign-stealing, some players and executives believe it could help speed games up, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Sign-stealing has become a major issue in the game over the past few seasons.

2017 World Series champion Houston Astros were deemed by the commissioner's office to have used a system designed to inform hitters of incoming pitches.

The Boston Red Sox were also fined for utilizing Apple Watches to steal signals in 2017, and they used the video room to steal signs during their World Series-winning campaign in 2018.

The Yankees also faced a fine in a previous season for improperly using a dugout phone and are currently trying to appeal the release of a letter documenting their potential sign-stealing in 2017.