MLB is looking to spice up the Home Run Derby and thinks they’ve found a way.
MLB and the MLBPA have agreed on numerous changes that will take effect this season or next, many of which were outlined by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. One notable change will be giving out cash prizes to Home Run Derby participants.
According to Passan, MLB plans to give $1 million to the winner of the Home Run Derby and $2.5 million in cash prizes for the event as a whole. They’re hoping that will attract the game’s biggest stars to participate.
Another change that will take effect this year include one single trade deadline on July 31. Changes set to take place in 2020 include a three-batter minimum for pitchers; expanded rosters to 26 players; and a decreased September roster to 28 players.
A truly positive development is that the sides will continue to talk about the larger issues plaguing the game, such as the disappointing free agency for many players for the second year in a row, and the manipulation of service time for young players.
