Home Run Derby To Break Ties In All-Star Game; Mid-Game Concert Possible With MLB Labor Deal

As part of the sweeping new labor agreement between Major League Baseball and the MLBPA, it’s possible that dramatic changes to the All-Star game could take place.

When the lockout ended after 99 days this week, details of the new labor agreement largely focused on core economics such as increased minimum salaries, a rise in the Luxury Tax ceiling, a new bonus pool for pre-salary arbitration players, and expanded playoff teams, but nestled within the 182-page memorandum of understanding (MOU) are other details that could alter how the league’s Midsummer Classic is showcased.

Based on a report by The Associated Press, the league and union for the players will discuss altering the All-Star game so that if the score is tied after 9-innings of play, a home run derby would be used to break the tie and determine the winner. If it were to move forward it would mean players on the roster for the game such as the likes of Fernando Tatis, Jr. or Shohei Ohtani could help determine the winner. According to The AP story, the following language is in an attachment to the MOU

“If the All-Star Game remains tied after nine innings, the game will be decided by a Home Run Derby between the teams, subject to the parties’ agreement on details and format,” reads exhibit 13, titled “Tentative Agreement — All-Star Game and Home Run Derby.”

As part of presentations to the players, they were made well aware of the possible change that, again, would have to be approved.

In addition to a possible home run derby to decide the All-Star game outcome, the sides agreed to explore stopping mid-game and having concert entertainment such as other sports such as the NFL has done. Nestled within the agreement reads, “the parties agree to discuss further details and logistics of a potential mid-All-Star Game concert.”

In both of these instances, it would target two wants by Major League Baseball: address pace and game length, as well as reach a younger demographic.

None of this is set in stone. Exploring the concepts and implementing them are two different things. It may be that the sides explore and that later in the labor agreement it actually happens. It may not happen at all. But as the league seeks to grow the game into a larger audience, the changes would largely playout for the network partners. Currently, FOX Sports retains the rights to the MLB All-Star game.