The top players in Major League Baseball (MLB) have a financial incentive to perform their best at this year's All-Star Game, one which will be hosted by the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington.
MLB introduced the bonus system when the new collective bargaining agreement came into effect before the 2017 season.
Prior to that, from 2003 to 2016, the outcome of the All-Star Game determined the home-field advantage in the World Series for that season.
How much extra pay the players make for this match?
The 64 players selected for the annual All-Star showcase compete for a bonus pool of $640,000. However, there's a condition: only players on the winning team are eligible to receive a share.
Consequently, each of the 32 players on the winning team will be awarded a check of $20,000. On the other hand, players on the losing team will not receive any bonus.
What other benefits do players enjoy?
Irrespective of the game's outcome, the league provides certain benefits to all participants of the All-Star Game.
Each All-Star player receives six tickets to the game for friends and family, first-class airfare for themselves and two guests, hotel accommodations, meal allowances, a $1,000 cash stipend, and an undisclosed "gift" from either the American or National League.
Furthermore, some players have contract clauses that entitle them to bonuses if they are selected for the All-Star Game.
The highlight of All-Star Week, the MLB All-Star Game, is scheduled for Tuesday, July 11. However, there are numerous exciting activities to engage in leading up to the Midsummer Classic, starting from Friday, July 7 with the HBCU Swingman Classic.
Several highly anticipated events of All-Star Week are making a comeback in 2023, including the MLB All-Star Futures Game, which will take place on Saturday, July 8 at 19:00 local time. This will be followed by the All-Star Celebrity Softball Game, both of which can be streamed live on Peaco*ck.
