Nearly nine years after the Houston Astros' 2017 sign-stealing scandal rocked Major League Baseball, the echoes of that controversy still follow second baseman Jose Altuve like a shadow. Despite mounting evidence and vocal defenses from former managers and teammates, opposing fans remain unforgiving toward the Astros' biggest star.

As the 2017 American League MVP and face of the franchise, Altuve has shouldered the brunt of public anger—even as data suggests his role in the scheme was minimal. According to pitch-charting research by Tony Adams, out of 866 pitches Altuve saw at home that season, only 19—just 2.2%—were preceded by the infamous trash-can bangs used to relay signs. Former teammate Carlos Correa has also publicly stated that Altuve actively refused to participate in the system.

Now, former Astros manager Dusty Baker is adding his voice to the defense. In a recent appearance on Matt Barnes' "All the Smoke" podcast, Baker spoke passionately about the lasting impact on his former second baseman. "The guy that took the brunt of it was really Jose Altuve, and he was the most innocent dude there," Baker said. "That really affected me, how he was treated all over, everywhere—and he didn't deserve it."

Baker managed Houston from 2020 to 2023, witnessing firsthand the hostility Altuve faced on the road. Despite an MLB investigation that resulted in suspensions for general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch—but no disciplinary action for players—the baseball community has never fully moved on. Altuve remains the lightning rod, even as social media debates rage over his culpability versus his statistical innocence.

For fans and players alike, the 2017 scandal remains a stain on an otherwise historic Astros run. But as Baker's comments reignite the conversation, the question lingers: will Altuve ever be allowed to step out of that shadow and be judged solely on his Hall of Fame-worthy career?