Locations ofNL teams for the 2017–present MLB seasons WestCentralEast
The2017 Major League Baseball season began on April 2 with three games, including the2016 World Series championsChicago Cubs facing off against theSt. Louis Cardinals, the regular season ended in late September. The postseason began on October 3. TheWorld Series began October 24 andGame 7 was played on November 1, in which theHouston Astros defeated theLos Angeles Dodgers in seven games, to capture their first World Series championship in franchise history.
The88th Major League Baseball All-Star Game was held on July 11 atMarlins Park, the home of theMiami Marlins. For the first time since2002 when the game ended in a tie, the All Star Game did not determine home field advantage for theWorld Series. Instead, home field advantage was awarded to the team with the better regular season record. The American League won 2–1 in 10 innings.[1][2]
After the 2019 season,Mike Fiers alleged that the 2017 Astros used technology to illicitlysteal their opponents' signs and relay it to their hitters. The Astros used this method throughout the 2017 season, and part of the 2018 season.[3] MLB and the Astros opened an investigation into thissign stealing allegation.[4] MLB found the Astros used technology to cheat during their 2017 season and suspended Astros'managerA. J. Hinch and Astros'general managerJeff Luhnow for one year;[5] the Astros fired Luhnow and Hinch the same day.Alex Cora, who was the Astros bench coach in 2017 and the Red Sox manager from 2018 to 2019, parted ways with the Red Sox after the scandal broke.[6][7]
As has been the case since 2013, all teams played their four division opponents 19 times each for a total of 76 games. They played six or seven games against each of the other ten same-league opponents for a total of 66 games, and 20 inter-league games. The primary inter-league match-ups wereAL East vs.NL Central,AL Central vs.NL West, andAL West vs.NL East. Teams also played four games against a designated interleague rival.
Irma's damage toSouth Florida also forced theMiami Marlins' three-game set with theMilwaukee Brewers from September 15 to 17 to move fromMarlins Park to the Brewers' home field atMiller Park, with the Marlins as the designated home team.[14] Similar to the Rangers–Astros series in Tampa Bay, the Marlins wore their away uniforms as the 'home' team, while the Brewers wore their home uniforms as the 'away' team.[15]
In March 2017, Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association agreed to seven rule changes.[16]
The start of a no-pitchintentional walk, allowing the defensive team's manager to signal a decision to the home plate umpire to intentionally walk the batter. Following the signal of the manager's intention, the umpire will immediately award first base to the batter. This new rule was put into play to speed up the process of game time.
A 30-second limit for a manager to decide whether to challenge a play and invoke replay review.
When a manager has exhausted his challenges for the game, Crew Chiefs may now invoke replay review for non-home run calls beginning in the eighth inning instead of the seventh inning. Home runs can be reviewed at the crew chief's discretion at any time.
A conditional two-minute guideline for Replay Officials to render a decision on replay review, allowing various exceptions.
A prohibition on the use of any markers on the field that could create a tangible reference system for fielders.
An addition to Rule 5.07 formalizes an umpire interpretation by stipulating that a pitcher may not take a second step toward home plate with either foot or otherwise reset his pivot foot in his delivery of the pitch. If there is at least one runner on base, then such an action will be called as a balk under Rule 6.02(a). If the bases are unoccupied, then it will be considered an illegal pitch under Rule 6.02(b).
An amendment to Rule 5.03 requires base coaches to position themselves behind the line of the coach's box closest to home plate and the front line that runs parallel to the foul line prior to each pitch. Once a ball is put in play, a base coach is allowed to leave the coach's box to signal a player so long as the coach does not interfere with the play.
Furthermore, the collective bargaining agreement that goes in effect this season prohibits any player who makes plays his first game starting in the 2017 season from usingtobacco at any time in a stadium, in official interviews, or appearances. Players who had service are not permitted to use tobacco in interviews or appearances, and cannot display any tobacco packages.[17]
On October 3, 2016, General Manager Dave Stewart was fired, along with field manager Chip Hale.[18] On October 16, 2016, Mike Hazen agreed to become the Executive Vice President and General Manager.[19]
On October 16, 2016, Mike Hazen agreed to become the Executive Vice President and General Manager of theArizona Diamondbacks.[19] Dave Dombrowski, President of Baseball Operations, assumed the role without making a formal announcement.
On October 3, 2016, Chip Hale was fired as manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks.[21] Hale finished with a 148–176 record with no playoff appearances in his two seasons as manager. On November 4, 2016, Torey Lovullo was hired as the new manager.[22]
On October 11, 2016, Brian Snitker was named as the new manager of the Atlanta Braves after completing the 2016 season as the interim manager.[23] Snitker took over forFredi González on May 17, 2016, and finished the season with a 59–65 record.
At the conclusion of the 2016 regular season, Chicago White Sox managerRobin Ventura resigned. On October 3, 2016, Rick Renteria became the team's new manager.[24] Ventura finished his five seasons in Chicago with a record of 375–435 with no playoff appearances.
On October 3, 2016, Walt Weiss resigned as manager of the Colorado Rockies after four years without a winning record or a playoff appearance.[25] Weiss finished with a 283–365 record during his tenure. On November 6, 2016, the Rockies announced they were hiring Bud Black as manager.[26]
Recorded his 2,000th career hit with a single in the first inning against theBaltimore Orioles on April 8. He became the 281st player to reach this mark.[28]
With his two home runs on April 16 against theToronto Blue Jays, Mancini tied the Major League rookie home run record with seven home runs in his first 12 career games. He ties the record that was set byTrevor Story (2016) andDino Restelli (1949).[30]
Became the all-time RBI leader for Dominican-born Major Leaguers with his 1,832nd RBI passingManny Ramirez. He delivered in the third inning with a single against theToronto Blue Jays on April 23.[31]
Hit his 600th career home run against theMinnesota Twins on June 3 and became the first member of the 600-home-run club to earn his membership with a grand slam. He became the ninth player to reach this mark.[32]
Became the youngest player in Major League history to hit 13 home runs in his team's first 26 games with his home run against theToronto Blue Jays on May 3.[34]
Set the Yankee franchise rookie record for home runs by hitting his 30th on July 7 against theMilwaukee Brewers. He broke the record that was set byJoe DiMaggio in 1936. He also joinsMark McGwire as the only rookies in Major League history to reach 30 home runs before the All-Star break.[35]
Set the Major League rookie record for home runs in a season by hitting his 50th of the year on September 25 against theKansas City Royals. He broke McGwire's record that was set in 1987.[36]
Recorded his 2,000th career hit with a single in the first inning against theLos Angeles Angels on May 20. He became the 282nd player to reach this mark.[37]
Recorded his 500th career stolen base in the eighth inning against theSan Diego Padres on July 24. He became the 39th player to reach this mark.[38]
Became the franchise leader in RBIs recording his 579th with a home run on June 2 against theArizona Diamondbacks. He broke the record that was held byMike Lowell.[39]
Set the franchise record for home runs in a season by hitting his 43rd home run in the first inning against theSan Francisco Giants on August 14. He broke the record that was set byGary Sheffield in 1996.[40]
Became the 17th player in Major League history and the first Red in franchise history tohit four home runs in a game. He achieved the feat against theSt. Louis Cardinals on June 6. He hit a grand slam in the third inning, a two-run homer in the fourth, a solo shot in the sixth, and another two-run homer in the eighth. Gennett also became the first player in Major League history with five hits, four homers and 10 RBIs in a game.[41]
With his fourth multi-homer game on June 13 against theCleveland Indians, Bellinger became the fastest player in Major League history to have four multi-homer outbursts, doing so in 45 career games. He broke the record of 63 games set byBob Horner in 1978.[42]
With his 21st homer on June 19 against theNew York Mets, Bellinger became the fastest rookie player in Major League history to reach the mark, doing so in just 51 career games. He broke the record of 55 games set byWally Berger in 1930.[43]
Recorded his 450th career home run in the ninth inning against theCleveland Indians on June 27. He became the 39th player to reach this mark.[44]
Recorded his 600th career double in the first inning against theBoston Red Sox on July 4. He became the 17th player to reach this mark.[45]
Recorded his 5,000th career total base with a home run in the second inning against theLos Angeles Angels on July 7. He became the 21st player to reach this mark.[46]
Recorded his 3,000th career hit with a double in the fourth inning against theBaltimore Orioles on July 30. He became the 31st player, and the first Dominican-born player, to reach this mark.[47]
Became the all-time leader for hits for a player born outside of the United States, with a single in the eighth inning against theSt. Louis Cardinals on July 6. His single, which was his 3,054th career hit, broke the record held byRod Carew.[49]
Recorded his 2,000th career hit with a single in the second inning against theCleveland Indians on July 7. He became the 283rd player to reach this mark.[50]
Recorded his 1,000th career RBI with a double in the eighth inning against theKansas City Royals on July 7. He became the 283rd player to reach this mark.[51]
Set the Expos/Nationals franchise record for home runs with his first inning home run against theCincinnati Reds on July 17. The home run was Zimmerman's 235th career home run,[52] passing the record that was set byVladimir Guerrero.
Recorded his 1,000th career RBI with a grand slam in the 11th inning against theLos Angeles Angels on July 25. He became the 284th player to reach this mark.[53]
Tied the Major League record for most walk-off grand slams hit by a single batter within a single season by hitting his second on July 30.Cy Williams andJim Presley had accomplished the feat in 1926 and 1986, respectively. With Pearce's previous one coming only three days prior on July 27, Pearce became the first player in Major League history to hit multiple walk-off grand slams within the span of a single week.[54]
Recorded his 2,000th career hit with a single in the fourth inning against theLos Angeles Dodgers on August 3. He became the 284th player to reach this mark.[55]
Recorded his 2,000th career hit with a double in the sixth inning against thePittsburgh Pirates on August 22. He became the 285th player to reach this mark.[57]
Hit his 11th home run in his first 18 Major League games on August 27 against theChicago Cubs. He became the fastest player since 1913 to hit their first 11 home runs. He also did it in 17 fewerat bats than any player in history.[58]
Recorded his 2,000th career hit with a single in the first inning against thePhiladelphia Phillies on August 30. He became the 286th player to reach this mark.[59]
Threw his first career no-hitter by defeating theArizona Diamondbacks 3–0 on June 3. Vólquez walked two and struck out ten while facing the minimum on 98 pitches, 65 of them being strikes. This was the sixth no-hitter in franchise history.[62]
Tied a Major League record by striking out ten or more batters in eight consecutive starts.[63]
Became the fastest pitcher to reach 1,500 strikeouts in Major League history on August 29. Sale struck outKevin Pillar in the second inning. Sale took 1,290 innings to reach this plateau breaking the record of 1,303 innings held byKerry Wood.[64]
Recorded his 2,000th career strikeout against theMilwaukee Brewers on June 2 by striking outJonathan Villar in the second inning. He became the 79th player to reach this mark. Kershaw reached this mark in 1,836 innings, then the third-fastest total in Major League history, trailing only Hall of FamersPedro Martínez (1,715+1⁄3) andRandy Johnson (1,734).[65]
Recorded his 2,000th career strikeout against theTexas Rangers on June 11 by striking outNomar Mazara to start the fourth inning. He became the 80th player to reach this mark. Scherzer became the third fastest ever to reach this mark by innings by reaching this mark in 1,784 innings, trailing only Pedro Martínez and Randy Johnson.[66]
Recorded his 150th career win with a victory against theNew York Mets on June 13. He became the 257th player to reach this mark.[68]
Recorded his 2,000th career strikeout against theArizona Diamondbacks on August 1 by striking outJack Reinheimer in the fourth inning. He became the 82nd player, and 25th left-hander, to reach this mark.[69]
Became the fastest in franchise history to record 1,000 career strikeouts by striking outYasiel Puig of theLos Angeles Dodgers on June 15 in the fifth inning. He accomplished this feat in 148 games, breaking the record of 167 games set byBob Feller.[70]
Recorded his 2,000th career strikeout against theOakland Athletics on June 24 by striking outKhris Davis to end the second inning. He became the 81st player to reach this mark.[71]
Set the American League for most consecutive saves converted by closing out the Orioles win against theHouston Astros on July 23 for his 55th in a row.[72]
TheArizona Diamondbacks set a Major League record by recording nine consecutive games where Arizona pitchers recorded ten or morestrikeouts between April 24 and May 3, 2017. The Diamondbacks recorded their strikeouts during a four-game set with theSan Diego Padres, followed by three games against theColorado Rockies, and the first two games of a three-game set against theWashington Nationals. Fourteen different Diamondbacks pitchers recorded a total of 113 strikeouts over the nine game period.[74]
Joe Maddon became the 63rd manager in Major League history to have 1,000 or more victories as hisChicago Cubs defeated theCincinnati Reds on May 15. He reached this mark in 1,871 games.[76]
TheLos Angeles Dodgers andMilwaukee Brewers set a National League record for most strikeouts in a game with 42 on June 2 in a game that lasted 12 innings. The Brewers tied their own Major League record for strikeouts in a game with 26.[77]
TheCleveland Indians became the first team since the 1935–36Chicago Cubs to have 14-plus-game win streaks in consecutive seasons with their victory over theChicago White Sox on September 6. The Indians also won 14 straight games in2016.[80]
With their 11–0 victory against theDetroit Tigers on September 11, theCleveland Indians became the first team to have a +100 or better run differential in a 19-game span since the1939 New York Yankees and the first team to allow 32 runs or fewer in a 19-game span since the1916 New York Giants.[81] On September 13 they set theAmerican League record forconsecutive wins with 21 with a 5–3 win over theDetroit Tigers; they also moved into a tie with the 1935 Chicago Cubs for second place all-time.[82] The Indians subsequently claimed sole possession of the second-longest winning streak all time with their 22nd consecutive victory on September 14 with a 3–2 walk off win in extra innings against the Kansas City Royals,[83] only for their winning streak to come to an end the next day with a 4–3 loss to the Royals.[84]
In their 16–0 shutout victory over theSan Diego Padres on September 12, theMinnesota Twins became the first MLB team ever to homer in each of the first seven innings.[85]
On September 19, theRoyals'Alex Gordon hit a solo home run against theToronto Blue Jays for the 5,694th combined home run of the season across Major League Baseball. This broke the previous record of 5,693 home runs hit in 2000 for the most combined home runs hit in a single season in Major League history.[86] It would finish the season hitting a combined 6,105 home runs across Major League Baseball.
August 12: TheMiami Marlins announced that a signed agreement to sell the franchise had been forwarded to the MLB main offices for review. Under the agreement,Jeffrey Loria would sell the team for $1.2 billion to a group led by venture capitalistBruce Sherman, withDerek Jeter in charge of business and baseball operations. The sale was expected to be approved by owners in September and closed after the end of the regular season.[87]
For the 2017 season, theTrackMan component of Major League Baseball'sStatcast platform has replaced the previousPITCHf/x system for official measurements of pitch speed. The new system uses a doppler radar to calculate pitch speed based on maximum velocity (typically from the release of the pitch), rather than the speed measured 55 feet (17 m) from home plate. The change in data source has led to discrepancies in pitch speed reports between those reported in 2016 and 2017, with some pitches registering slightly higher speeds than with the previous system.[118][119]
TheArizona Diamondbacks tweaked their uniform set that was unveiled last season. The pant stripes now reach to the hip, while the gradient below was removed. The road uniform lettering is also changed to improve visibility.
TheSan Diego Padres unveiled new home and road uniforms, with noticeable changes such as the team name and the removal of yellow on the home uniforms, the bowtie-shaped lettering in the city name on the road uniforms, and the interlocking "SD" on both uniforms.
TheKansas City Royals unveiled an updated version of their gold-trimmed white uniform, featuring gold numbers and blue lettering. It was paired with a blue cap featuring the gold 'KC' lettering, and was worn on Friday home games.
TheWashington Nationals unveiled a white alternate uniform featuring the 'curly W' logo in aStars and Stripes design. It was paired with two caps featuring the 'curly W' Stars and Stripes design: a navy cap with red brim, and a red cap with navy brim. The uniforms were worn during patriotic-themed and weekend day games.
Coinciding withCanada's 150th anniversary, theToronto Blue Jays unveiled a red alternate uniform featuring a monochrome red rendition of the team's logo, complete with red belts, socks and cleats, and a red cap featuring themaple leaf logo. It was worn on Sunday home games and select other games in the month of July. They also promoted their white-paneled home caps to alternate status after wearing them once the past two seasons.
TheCleveland Indians retired their cream alternate uniforms. The red caps that were formerly paired with the cream uniforms will now be worn with the navy alternates at select home games.
TheCincinnati Reds changed their caps on Military Appreciation nights from camo to olive, with a white horseshoe "C".
ThePittsburgh Pirates changed their caps on Thursday home games to mustard, while still wearing their camo jerseys.
TheNew York Mets changed the brim of their home alternate caps from orange to blue, while theMr. Met patch on both alternate uniforms were replaced with the primary Mets logo.
All spring training uniforms in 2017 featured a pattern on the names and numbers. The pattern was the same for all 30 teams. In addition, seven teams unveiled new caps to be worn for spring training.[120] TheNew York Yankees introduced a home cap with a pinstripe visor and a road cap with a grey crown and a navy visor. TheSeattle Mariners replaced their compass logo with their original M-shaped trident updated in current team colors. TheChicago Cubs added an alternate cap featuring an "angry cub" logo. TheAtlanta Braves added a solid navy cap with a tomahawk.Tampa Bay Rays added a powder blue cap with a white front panel, featuring their starburst logo.Cleveland Indians changed the front panel of their cap from white to red. TheNew York Mets replaced the "Mr. Met" logo with their "NY" logo.[121]
The Cubs wore gold-trimmed numbers and letters on the backs of their shirts April 10 and 12 to mark their winning the2016 World Series title.
Players, managers, coaches and umpires wore #42 on April 15, the 70th anniversary ofJackie Robinson's debut in the majors.
On April 17 (Patriots' Day), the Boston Red Sox wore home white jerseys with "BOSTON" written on the front to mark the four-year anniversary of theBoston Marathon bombings. The uniform also sported the 2013 navy-blue circular patch with a white border on the left shoulder saying "B Strong" (with the red B in the classic font featured on the Red Sox's caps).
The Padres wore camouflage uniforms on April 23, Air Force Appreciation Day. They wore them again on June 25, Naval Appreciation Day.
The Reds and Giants woreSpanish language "Los Rojos" and "Gigantes" uniforms May 5,Cinco de Mayo. The Reds wore them again on September 22. The Reds' "Los Rojos" uniforms have "Los Rojos" in the style of the Reds' script wordmark, and do not have the player's number or the "C" on them.
All 30 teams wore pink-colored caps and jerseys, undershirts and socks May 13 and 14,Mother's Day.
The Reds wore camo uniforms May 20, June 6 (the 73rd anniversary ofD-Day), August 4 and September 19. The uniforms had the "Reds" script wordmark on their front, instead of the player's number and their "C" logo.
The Orioles wore a uniform with theFlag of Maryland May 20. Their caps featured the Maryland flag, as well.
Teams wore green-colored caps and jerseys, undershirts and socks May 27, May 28 and 29,Memorial Day in theUnited States. The Blue Jays didn't wear them on May 27 and 28, but did May 29, even though Memorial Day is not a holiday in Toronto, the province of Ontario, or anywhere in Canada. The Rockies wore them again on July 9, which was Military Appreciation Day.
The Rays wore blue "fauxback" uniforms for the first game of a doubleheader against the Athletics June 10.
All teams wore blue-colored caps and jerseys, undershirts and socks June 17 and 18,Father's Day. The Dodgers and Reds wore the uniforms on June 18 only.
All teams wore patriotic jerseys, undershirts and socks July 1–4. The Brewers did not wear them July 1. The Blue Jays wore red caps July 3–4, and their jerseys included a flipped US flag on one sleeve and a Canadian flag on the other during that time.
The Tigers wore their Spanish-language "Tigres" uniforms August 12. The uniforms were based on the uniforms that the Tigers only wore during the1960 season.
The Mariners wore Spanish-language "Marineros" uniforms September 9.
Teams wore caps with anAmerican flag design September 11, the 16th anniversary of theSeptember 11 attacks. The Blue Jays wore caps with both Canadian and American flags.
The Braves wore Spanish-language "Los Bravos" uniforms September 17.
The Reds wore green uniforms September 23. The uniforms have ashamrock on the right sleeve and the Reds script wordmark on the front, instead of the player's number and the "C" logo.
All jerseys were pullovers with contrasting sleeves. Apart from the Reds and Phillies, which respectively used white and off-white for the main body of the jersey, all teams used colors in that area.
All jerseys had player names on the back; players were encouraged (but not required) to use nicknames instead of family names (or, in the case of Ichiro Suzuki, his given name). Notably, Players Weekend marked the first time that an official Yankees jersey had a name on the back.
The jerseys were complemented with special colored caps. Many featured slight modifications of the teams' current logos, but some used completely new logos. For example, the Phillies' cap logo for Players Weekend was a blueLiberty Bell.
The jerseys and caps featured a special logo showing a player's progression from youth to adulthood. The design drew cues from the officialLittle League and MLB logos.
The aforementioned logo also appeared on a special "Thank You" sleeve patch on each jersey. This patch included a blank space that allowed each player to write in the name of a key figure in his baseball development.
All teams used special multi-colored socks, all with the same design.
Normal color restrictions on accessories such as shoes and batting gloves were relaxed to allow more self-expression.
The Red Sox and Cardinals wore 1967 throwbacks May 16 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Cardinals'1967 World Series title.
The Padres wore 1990s throwbacks June 14 and August 2.
The Cubs and Pirates wore Negro leagues throwbacks June 16. The Cubs wore the uniforms of theLeland Giants, while the Pirates wore the uniforms of theHomestead Grays.
The Astros and Mariners wore 1977 throwbacks June 24.
The Indians and Tigers wore Negro leagues throwbacks July 1. The Indians wore the uniforms of the Cleveland Buckeyes, and the Tigers wore the uniforms of theDetroit Stars.
The Padres and Phillies wore 1983 throwbacks July 7 and 9.
The Angels and Rangers wore 1977 throwbacks July 8. The Rangers wore their away throwbacks, even though they were the home team.
The Phillies and Brewers wore 1982 throwbacks July 14–16 as part of a weekend where members of the Brewers' 1982 AL champion team reunited.
The Indians and White Sox wore 1917 throwbacks July 29 to mark the 100th anniversary of the White Sox winning the1917 World Series title.
The Indians wore red 1970s throwbacks August 12. Their opponents, the Rays, wore their "fauxbacks".
The Reds and Brewers wore Negro leagues throwbacks August 12. The Reds wore the uniforms of theCincinnati Tigers (which were hand-me-downs from the Reds in the 1930s), and the Brewers wore the uniforms of theMilwaukee Bears.
The Rangers and Astros wore 1999 throwbacks August 12 as part of the Rangers retiring the #7 of 1999 AL MVP Ivan Rodriguez, who played for the 1999 AL West-winning Rangers (the Astros were in the NL Central in 1999, which they won).
The Astros wore1997 Major League Baseball season throwbacks August 19. The uniforms appeared with the Jackie Robinson 50th anniversary patch, which all teams wore that season.
The Orioles wore1992 Major League Baseball season throwbacks on August 19. The uniforms were in honor of the first season at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
There were plans to host some games atOlympic Stadium inLondon,England during the season but the plans were dropped after a lack of time for negotiations.[127] There was a series played in London in 2019, between the Yankees and the Red Sox.
This was the fourth year of the current eight-year deals withFox Sports,ESPN andTBS.Fox aired eight weeks of baseball on Saturday Night leading up to the2017 Major League Baseball All-Star Game which also aired on Fox. Fox then televised Saturday afternoon games for the last four weeks of the regular season.Fox Sports 1 televised games on Tuesday nights and on Saturdays both during the afternoon and night. ESPN televised games on its flagship telecastSunday Night Baseball, as well as Monday and Wednesday nights. TBS televised Sunday afternoon games for the last 13 weeks of the regular season. Fox and ESPN Sunday Night Baseball telecasts will be exclusive; all other national telecasts will be subject to local blackout. ESPN also had national exclusivity for the Cubs home opener and World Series/NLCS pennant raising ceremony on April 10.
TBS televised the National League Wild Card Game, Division Series, and Championship Series. ESPN televised the American League Wild Card, Fox Sports 1 andMLB Network televised the American League Division Series, and Fox and Fox Sports 1 televised the American League Championship Series. The World Series aired exclusively on Fox for the 18th consecutive year.
Major League Baseball reached an agreement withFacebook to stream 20 games. The streams were simulcasts of one of the teams broadcasts.[128]
Derek Jeter had his #2 retired by theNew York Yankees on May 14. It is the 21st number retired and the last single-digit number circulated by the organization.[150][151]
^Justice, Richard (December 1, 2016)."Peace & glove: Owners, players reach CBA deal".MLB.com.Irving, Texas:MLB Advanced Media. RetrievedDecember 2, 2016.Most of the changes were regarding issues that had been discussed for weeks, but one surprising twist is that home-field advantage in the World Series will no longer be tied to the All-Star Game, as first reported by The Associated Press. Instead, the pennant winner with the better regular-season record will get home-field advantage in the Fall Classic.
