Baseball is facing growing concern over harassment and threats aimed at players and their families, with a recent example involving Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tanner Scott. After Scott allowed three runs in a loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, his wife, Maddie Scott, said on Instagram that she received abusive messages and threats directed at their newborn child. She later shared screenshots of some of the comments, which included violent language and wishes of harm toward her family.
The incident adds to a troubling pattern seen across Major League Baseball in recent seasons. Multiple players have reported receiving death threats or other abusive messages after poor performances or controversial moments. In 2025, Seattle Mariners pitcher Tayler Saucedo said he received threats calling for serious harm. Boston Red Sox reliever Liam Hendriks, who has previously battled cancer, also said he and his wife were targeted by cruel messages. Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. reported threats aimed at his wife and children, prompting an investigation that later identified the source as an intoxicated sports bettor.
The rise of sports betting has increasingly been linked to this type of abuse. As gambling has become more visible and accessible, players have become targets for angry bettors who blame them for losses. The pattern is not limited to baseball, but MLB has been one of the leagues most visibly dealing with the fallout. The issue has raised questions about the consequences of legalized betting, the pressure placed on athletes, and the safety of players’ families.
Scott, a veteran pitcher and one-time All-Star, has not publicly responded in detail to the threats, but the messages shared by his wife highlight how quickly online frustration can turn personal and threatening. Her remarks reflected the emotional toll that such abuse can have on families, especially when children are involved.
The broader concern comes at a time when sports leagues are trying to balance the popularity of gambling with the need to protect athletes. While betting has become a major part of the modern sports landscape, the increase in abusive behavior has led to calls for stronger moderation, better enforcement, and clearer consequences for those who cross the line.
For players and their families, the problem has become more than just an online nuisance. It is now a serious safety issue, with threats reaching beyond the game itself and into private lives. The repeated incidents across MLB suggest that the problem is growing and may require a stronger response from teams, leagues, and social media platforms.
