As a deterrent, Major League Baseball’s unprecedented discipline of the Astros almost certainly will be effective. But as punishment, some front-office executives wonder if the penalties were strong enough.



At first glance, such sentiments might sound absurd, perhaps reflecting the antipathy many executives harbor toward the Astros, especially now that commissioner Rob Manfred has confirmed the team stole signs illegally during 2017 and ’18.



The sentiments also are not unanimous, and contrast those of a number of owners who offered Manfred input before his decision and positive feedback after he announced it, baseball officials say. But interviews with executives from seven clubs revealed frustration with certain aspects of the penalties. The executives spoke on condition of anonymity, mindful of a statement the Dodgers released on Monday night that said, “All clubs have been asked by Major League Baseball not to comment on today’s punishment...