MLB Makes Changes To Home Run Derby

It is nearing that time of year again where the MLB All-Star Game arrives and with that comes the Home Run Derby. Major League Baseball has got a lot of complaints about how long the competition takes so there have been changes made even if they may not actually make the competition go faster than it has in recent years. [lead image by Rob Carr /Getty Sports]
Players will now be on the clock and will have five minutes to hit as many home runs as they can in a single-elimination head-to-head bracket. There are chances for bonus time as well according to CBSSports.com but this is a big chance for what has been happening. There still could be ways for some batters to hit 20-25 home runs if they get on a hot streak and don’t waste too much time in between pitches.

It may make fans pay closer attention all the way through the night but it could easily become just as stale as some point as well. It will take this first year in Cincinnati to see how well it actually works out. Maybe it turns the competition into just a two-hour show instead of three or maybe nothing changes but at least MLB is willing to explore change.