MLB Pitchers Hire Security After Online Death Threats Target Families

Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. has hired 24-hour private security for his family after receiving online death threats, including those targeting his 5-year-old daughter, Ava. The threats intensified following a difficult start in a game, leading to a painful conversation between McCullers and his daughter about the nature of such threats. The Astros organization involved MLB security and the Houston Police Department, with investigations ongoing. Other MLB players, including Boston Red Sox reliever Liam Hendriks, have also faced similar online abuse and threats, which many players attribute to the recent rise in legalized sports betting. Veteran players like Milwaukee's Christian Yelich describe online abuse as a nightly occurrence that has grown worse over the years. The situation highlights a troubling trend of escalating online harassment directed at players and their families, prompting teams to increase security measures at games and during players' personal time.