Hitting dingers and cashing checks.
MLB's All-Star week is designed to culminate with a game between the league's biggest stars. Instead, its signature event has become a backward-hat affair with people rocking out to music. It's essentially batting practice in front of a full house as fans pack the venue to see baseballs launched into orbit.
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While some might say they'd do it for free, money always comes into play. For the lesser-paid, upstart stars who get to take part in the Home Run Derby, the money definitely helps. Players are trying to avoid zeroes on the scoreboard so they can add a few to their bottom lines.
The Sporting News breaks down the prize money associated with the Home Run Derby, including how much the winner and runner-up will be awarded.
Home Run Derby prize money
- Champion: $1 million
- Runner-up: $750,000
MLB sets aside around $2.5 million to be distributed to the event participants. The winner takes home $1 million and the runner-up collects $750,000. The other six competitors split enough to add another nice car to their collection.
The Mariners' Julio Rodriguez finished runner-up to Juan Soto in 2022 and managed to win $50,000 more than his salary for the entire season.
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There have been other examples. Derby mainstay Pete Alonso won in 2019 and 2021 and received checks worth more than he made playing 162 games for the Mets.
The money helps to give a fun event a sometimes-serious appearance as players attempt to build their fortunes like determined kids trying to win the claw game at the arcade.
Swing for the fences, kids.