Chicago Cubs: Rule changes make Home Run Derby more enticing

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Expansive rule changes are beginning to sweep across Major League Baseball. One such rule concerns the Home Run Derby, and the mega prize money being given to the winner. Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant is all for the innovative idea.

All-Star weekend has, for countless years, represented an entertaining break from the long haul of the regular season. While nothing is boring about baseball, that one weekend in July provides a reprieve for both fans and players alike.

Everyone remembers the 2002 All-Star game, ending in a 7-7 tie after the game ventured into extra-innings. From that point leading up to the 2017 season, the All-Star game victor would earn home-field advantage for the World Series for their respective league.

Nevertheless, home field advantage or not, the mid-July weekend has always reigned with entertainment. One such event is, of course, the home run derby. As part of MLB’s sweeping changes across the league, there is now a $1 million prize which will be awarded to the champion.

Incentivizing entertainment

This past weekend, in a piece courtesy of The Athletic from Chicago Cubs beat writer Patrick Mooney, Bryant gave some comprehensive insight into the intricate workings surrounding the changes coming to the All-Star weekend event.

“Oh my gosh. Man, that’s a lot of money. But I think it’s such a good idea. You’re going to get so much more action. You look at the rookie pay and (someone) like Aaron Judge. He’s worth way more than what he’s getting paid. He could double his salary just by winning the Home Run Derby. That’s going to be the attitude now with some of these guys. They’re going to get whoever they want to do it. And I think that will be good for the game.”

Bryant is well-equipped with the knowledge to be speaking on this matter. He is actively part of the union and already is known as one of the best players across all of Major League Baseball. The ability to advocate in favor of a change which may be menial at best in the eyes of many is terrific for the game itself.

Last year there were four players, Jesus Aguilar, Alex Bregman, Max Muncy, and Rhys Hoskins, who participated in the Home Run Derby who was all also barely above the league minimum in salary. As Bryant spoke about Aaron Judge and his performance two years ago in route to winning the event, the bump in winnings would pay significant dividends to many young stars who participate, as well.

A family event

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All-Star weekend is in itself a fun family filled event. There are also opportunities for players to embrace those same fun opportunities. In 2015 as a rookie, Bryant took part in the Derby at Great American Ballpark, in Cincinnati. The guy throwing to him that night? None other than Mike Bryant, Kris’ father.

Facing off against future Hall of Fame first baseman Albert Pujols, Bryant blasted nine in the round. While it would not be enough to Pujols’ 10 big flies, the moment will always be a special one for Bryant and his father.

In the same article from Patrick Mooney in The Athletic, Bryant was asked about the possibility of bringing the Bryant band back together for another go.

“It’s so funny you say that. He texted me this morning and he’s like, ‘I have a torn rotator cuff in my right shoulder.’ He’s been throwing to me with a torn rotator cuff, so I think he’s out of the running for that. It’s all right, though. We did it once. For me, it was just the experience. I talked about that with (my dad) growing up: ‘That would be cool to do the Home Run Derby.'”

Suffice it to say it does not sound like it will be happening any time soon.

Eye on the prize

While it ultimately sounds as though Bryant may be a long shot, at least this year, there is a possibility other members of the club could be in line to step into their chance at the $1 million prize. Last year, for instance, Javier Baez put on an absolute fireworks display bashing 16 in a tough first-round loss to Muncy. Baez did, however, account for the longest home run of the night at 479 feet.

Anthony Rizzo is someone who could bring some serious firepower into the Derby, as well Kyle Schwarber. Schwarber, as we won’t soon forget bashed his way to the finals last year, narrowly losing to Bryce Harper in a thrilling championship round.

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Concerning the fallout, the perceived notion circulating the game about the Derby is that of which it could create a problem for a players swing, leading many to shy away from participating. It did not affect Baez, to say the least, as he slashed .289/.326/.540 with 15 home runs in the second half of the season. Meanwhile, as a rookie, Bryant slashed .282/.361/.505 with 14 home runs in the second half of his Derby participating season and won Rookie of the Year.

The proposition is intriguing. More than likely there will be increased growth in interest this season, and the Cubs have many players who could easily represent the club in the Home Run Derby in Cleveland this July. It would certainly be a fun proposition.

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Expansive rule changes are beginning to sweep across Major League Baseball. One such rule concerns the Home Run Derby, and the mega prize money being given to the winner. Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant is all for the innovative idea.

Incentivizing entertainment

A family event

More from Cubbies Crib

Eye on the prize

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