Poll Shows Astros Losing Popularity Since Release Of Sign-Stealing Report

In the days before the report was released, the Astros were the ninth most favorably viewed team in MLBGETTY IMAGES

A new poll found that the Astros' net favorability "dropped 12 percentage points" in the two weeks following MLB releasing its report detailing the team's sign-stealing scandal on Jan. 13, according to Alex Silverman of MORNING CONSULT. The drop in net favorability -- the "share of adults who view them favorably minus the share who view them unfavorably" -- made the Astros the "least-liked club in MLB and the only team with a negative net rating, with more adults having an unfavorable than favorable view." From Jan. 1-12 -- the "days right before the league's report -- the Astros ranked ninth among MLB teams in net favorability." However, the sign-stealing scandal "didn't immediately tarnish public sentiment toward MLB as a league and had little impact on the Red Sox," who also are being investigated by MLB for "their own alleged tactics" during the '18 season (MORNINGCONSULT.com, 2/10).