If Milwaukee Brewers superstar and reigning MVPÂ Christian Yelich gets his long-ball game going and wins the Home Run Derby this year, he'll be $1 million richer.
And in 2020, pitchers will not be allowed to face only him and immediately exit the game.
That's part of the changes MLB is making to the game in 2019 and 2020, according to the Chicago Tribune.
For this year, those changes include:
– Two-minute breaks instead of 2:05 breaks for locally-televised games and 2:25 in nationally televised games
– Only five mound visits without changing pitchers instead of six
– No more trade waivers
– A two-round All-Star fan vote, with an “Election Day” in June or July to decide starters
– $1 million for the winner of the Home Run Derby
In 2020, those changes will involve
– Active rosters being 26 players from Opening Day through August 31, 28 players September 1 until the postseason
– A new pitcher who starts an inning must face a minimum of three batters unless the half-inning ends or they are ill or injured
– Pitchers have to spend at least 15 days on the injury list
The Chicago Tribune has an even more extensive list. Click to read here.