The 2017 Houston Astros’ cheating scandal is widely recognized as fact, with clear evidence confirming that every offensive player on the team participated in illicit activities to gain a competitive edge. Despite this, Ben Verlander, brother of former Astros pitcher Justin Verlander, publicly defended outfielder Jose Altuve and denied the team’s cheating, provoking widespread debate and frustration. The controversy resurfaced following a July 4, 2025 game at Dodger Stadium, where Altuve excelled against the Los Angeles Dodgers, prompting Verlander to dismiss the well-documented cheating allegations tied to the Astros organization.
Historic Evidence of the Astros’ Cheating and Open Admissions
Beyond the accusations, former Astros players like Evan Gattis openly admitted to exploiting the cheating system during critical moments, such as his own home run in the 2017 American League Championship Series against the Yankees. The Astros’ bench coach at that time, Alex Cora, also reportedly boasted about how their team knew opposing pitchers’ throws in advance, giving the Astros an unfair advantage in the World Series. A Red Sox player recounted in a recent book that Cora admitted,
“We knew the Astros did [cheated],”
and even claimed,
“We stole that (expletive) World Series.”
This admission aligns with a broad consensus in Major League Baseball and among fans that the Astros’ championship was tainted by cheating. The players have neither fully acknowledged nor apologized for their actions, which has prolonged resentment throughout the league and fan communities, notably among Dodgers supporters.
Verlander’s Defense of Altuve and Denial of Cheating
In contrast to this overwhelming evidence, Ben Verlander took to social media to celebrate Jose Altuve’s performance against the Dodgers, emphasizing Altuve’s dominance despite heavy booing from the crowd. Verlander posted a video of Altuve’s two-run home run with the caption:
“JOSE ALTUVE OWNS THE DODGERS AND THERE’S NO AMOUNT OF BOO’S THAT CAN STOP HIM.”
He went further by disputing the cheating allegations directly, claiming, “He didn’t cheat.” Using unfounded accusations, Verlander then suggested that the Dodgers were cheating as well, stating,
“They were cheating too. Should’ve cheated better.”
These assertions contradict the official investigations by Major League Baseball, which found no wrongdoing by the Dodgers or other teams relative to the Astros scandal.
The Reality of Altuve’s Performance and Cheating Impact
Statistical analysis clearly shows a marked difference in Altuve’s 2017 season compared to his other years, reinforcing the cheating revelations. That year, Altuve recorded a career-best 7.7 wins above replacement and a .346 batting average, his highest to date, alongside a .547 slugging percentage in a full season. These numbers suggest his cheating contributed significantly to his offensive success.
Moreover, Altuve’s actual performance against the Dodgers undermines Verlander’s claim of dominance. Across 24 career games, Altuve’s batting line against Los Angeles closely mirrors his overall career statistics, demonstrating no special advantage over this opponent. During the 2017 World Series specifically, Altuve struggled significantly at Dodger Stadium, batting only .118 (2-for-17) in games there, compared to modestly better numbers at home where cheating was more feasible.
Ultimately, Altuve compiled a low .194 average during the 2017 World Series, hardly the profile of a player who ‘owns’ the Dodgers or any other team. This data further illustrate how Verlander’s assertions diverge from objective reality.
Ongoing Fallout from the Astros Cheating Controversy
Despite the passage of nearly a decade, the Astros’ cheating scandal continues to impact Major League Baseball culture and fan sentiment. The lack of meaningful consequences for those involved in cheating has intensified criticism and left many in the league feeling justice was never served. Verlander’s denial and attempt to rewrite history—coupled with his defense of his brother and fellow Astros players—reflect the persistent tension around this chapter in baseball history.
The episode also highlights how conspiracy theories and denial can cloud judgment in the face of overwhelming evidence, especially on social media platforms. The Atlanta-born Verlander’s claims starkly contrast with the substantial volume of admissions, investigative findings, and statistical anomalies confirming the Astros’ transgressions.
Going forward, baseball fans and the league itself must continue to grapple with the consequences of the scandal while seeking ways to reinforce integrity and restore trust. For now, the Astros cheating scandal remains a key point of contention, with voices like Ben Verlander’s both defending and deepening the divide over the legacy of one of the most controversial teams in recent sports history.