Home Field advantage in The World Series will be determined by Pennant winner with best record
The Associated Press broke the news early Thursday that as part of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, the All-Star Game will no longer determine home field advantage for The World Series. AP’s report has been confirmed by multiple outlets, including Ken Rosenthal.
Home field advantage in the Fall Classic will now be determined by the Pennant winner with the best record in the regular season.
Under the rule implemented by former Commissioner Bud Selig, the American League won 11 of 14 All-Star Games, with the AL team winning six World Series with home field advantage.
Under the new CBA, “players in the All-Star Game will have the incentive to play for a pool of money.”
The Cubs had the best record in baseball this past season (103-58-1) but used the Indians home field advantage to win The World Series. The Cubs were 3-1 in the four games in Cleveland with Kyle Schwarber as the designated hitter.
With the fans being able to determine the starters for the All-Star Game, the Cubs became the second team in history to have its entire infield start the All-Star Game. Anthony Rizzo (1B), Ben Zobrist (2B), Addison Russell (SS), Kris Bryant (3B) and Dexter Fowler (CF) were voted as starters in last season’s All-Star Game. The Cubs had seven representatives on the NL squad. Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta were named to the National League pitching staff.
An argument could be made that the Cubs would not have won The Series if four of the seven games were played at Wrigley Field. With that said, removing home field advantage in the Fall Classic from being determined by an exhibition game is the right decision by MLB and the Players Association.
The Miami Marlins are the host team for the 2017 All-Star Game.
• Full Report from the Associated Press