A new proposal would see a fan vote determine the All-Star Game starters on one single dayGETTY IMAGES
MLB and the MLBPA are "planning to overhaul All-Star voting and create an Election Day for fans to pick starters" as part of "sweeping changes" being proposed for the next CBA, according to sources cited by Jeff Passan of ESPN.com. Sources said that the two sides also are "discussing increasing prize money for Home Run Derby participants in hopes of convincing the game's biggest stars to participate." Under the proposed plan, sources said that once the standard online voting is completed, the "top three vote-getters at each position in each league would be on the ballot on Election Day, and whichever players received the most votes on that single day would determine the All-Star starters." The MLB and union see Election Day as an "opportunity to better engage fans and bring more excitement to the All-Star voting process -- and encourage an uptick in social-media activity surrounding the game" (ESPN.com, 3/6).
ADDED VALUE: The AP's Ronald Blum reported the MLB and the MLBPA are "near an agreement to expand active rosters by one to 26" starting in '20 as "part of a deal that would include a commitment to discuss larger economic issues." Sources said that under the deal, the active limit from Sept. 1 through season's end "would be lowered from 40 to 28 beginning next year." Sources added that there would be a "maximum of 13 pitchers for most of the season" and 14 from Sept. 1 on. The "minimum roster size would increase from 24 to 25." The maximum of 25 players through Aug. 31 has been a "part of the collective bargaining agreement since the first labor deal" in '68. Meanwhile, commitment to a "discussion of the larger economic issues is a key for the union after consecutive slow free-agent markets" (AP, 3/5).
SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE? USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale writes MLB should "go to a split-season schedule." That would "strongly discourage teams from tanking" and give "renewed hope to everyone that stunk the first half." Nightengale: "Eliminate divisions and have two 15-team leagues. The playoff format would be simple: Whoever wins the first or second half would qualify for the playoffs and earn the top two seeds in each league" (USA TODAY, 3/6).
