It’s tiebreakers all the way down.
In the wake of a controversial Home Run Derby tiebreaker that saw Cal Raleigh advance past Round 1 by less than an inch, Rob Manfred has announced that all Derby ties will now be broken with an All-Star Game.
“With this format, players who might not be in the Derby lineup can get the chance to sock a few,” he said in his press conference, transcribed in full on The Unathletic. “And if we can end an All-Star Game with a Home Run Derby, it’s just logical to reverse the process.”
Yesterday’s All-Star Game ended in a swing-off after nine tied innings, extra-innings drama like 2008’s be damned. Kyle Schwarber’s perfect performance in the swing-off earned him game MVP honors despite the MLB previously saying the MVP would be decided purely on in-game performance.
By the new rule, when two players are tied at the end of any round in the Derby, they will pick lineups from any All-Stars attending the contest. They will be placed on the field at random positions, although the six-run rule for position players pitching still applies. The two teams will play three full innings, and whichever player’s team is ahead wins.
“I figured three innings was enough. These are All-Stars; fans don’t need to see them playing too much baseball,” Manfred said.
If the tiebreaker game is tied after three innings, the two tied players will have another Derby round to break the second tie.
When asked for a final comment, Manfred responded with his bank account details. Twinkie Town’s guidelines prohibit us from reposting them here in full.