Memo indictates Home Run Derby could decide All-Star Game winner instead of extra innings

NEW YORK — If the next All-Star Game in Major League Baseball goes deep into the night, a slugger may get a chance to decide it by going deep — in a Home Run Derby.

That's right, say going, going, goodbye to extra innings in the Midsummer Classic. Instead, bring on Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Shohei Ohtani, Fernando Tatis Jr., Bryce Harper and the big boppers for a winner-take-all blast-off.

Because buried deep in the 182-page memorandum of understanding signed Thursday by MLB and the players' association is a radical new method of potentially deciding the All-Star Game.

«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.»

And hear this, fans: As part of the overall agreement, «the parties agree to discuss further details and logistics of a potential mid-All-Star Game concert.»

Plus, a new flavor to MLB's international mix — there will be a regular-season game in Paris in 2025.

Dated March 1 and obtained by The Associated Press, the page about the All-Star home derby was signed by MLB senior counsel Kasey Sanossian and players' association deputy general counsel Matt Nussbaum. It is part of the agreement that led to the end of MLB's 99-day lockout and the opening of training camps.

This year's All-Star Game is scheduled for Dodger Stadium on July 19, awarded to Los Angeles after the scheduled 2020 was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

From when the games will begin to which big names are headed to new places, we've got you covered.

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