Chicago Cubs: Would an All-Star Game cost more than it’s worth?

Would a shot at an All-Star Game prompt the Chicago Cubs to make further changes to Wrigley Field, thus compromising its traditional feel? Maybe.

Earlier this week, Commissioner of Major League Baseball and evil sorcerer/destroyer of things we love Rob Manfred expressed a desire to reveal the locations of the All-Star Game from 2020 to 2022. The Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field seems like an early frontrunner.

The Washington Nationals host this year’s MLB All-Star Game at Nationals Park. The 2019 All-Star Game? The Cleveland Indians bring the Midsummer Classic in Progressive Field. After that, though, nothing’s been decided.

Wrigley Field has played host to three All-Star Games in its history, with the last one coming in 1990. Since last year’s All-Star Game was played at that repulsive-looking monstrosity known as Marlins Park, it would be nice to see the game being played at a good-looking park.

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What it would mean for Chicago

The biggest potential roadblock keeping the Cubs from hosting an All-Star game within the next few years is incomplete renovations.

Though recent photos show a desolate field surrounded by construction crew, the Cubs’ brass insists the renovations are on schedule.

I’m going to float a crazy idea here for a moment. After construction is finished, how about no more renovations? While the Cubs race to catch up to other parks in terms of sleekness and modern design, I have to ask, why?

There’s something to be said for comfort and convenience, but Wrigley Field is much, much more than your average ballpark. It’s not just home to one of the oldest MLB franchises, but also a huge part of baseball history.

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At Wrigley Field, there’s a certain authentic, old-school aesthetic that is simply unmatched at any other ballpark. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. You don’t go to a baseball game to feel like you’re watching from the comfort of your home. Fancy seats and shiny new features might seem appealing and help the team’s bid for an All-Star Game, but at the cost of Wrigley’s integrity, is it really worth it?