MLB Brings Wild New Format To All-Star Weekend
Even the Savannah Bananas hasn't ventured this far off the traditional game.
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be Tuesday, July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. We know what to expect from that. But MLB is unveiling an event in a format All-Star Weekend has never seen.
MLBx, an All-Star 3-on-3 baseball game will make its Mid-Summer Classic debut on Sunday, July 12. It's replacing the traditional celebrity softball game.
What is MLBx?
If you ask MLB, MLBx is a "high-energy, condensed showcase emphasizing power hitting, athletic defense and co-ed teamwork."
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Teams of three face off in games that will last roughly 30 minutes in a tournament-style bracket.
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MLB has hailed it as a "modified Home Run Derby." Teams get one point for a home run and an additional point for hitting through a target in center field. Defenses can also score, getting one point for catches. Teams can tack on more points for hot streaks.
Players hit from a raised stage between second base and the pitcher's mound.
MLB's hope is that this exhibition creates more of an emphasis on power and athleticism and creates highlight-reel moments, as opposed to the circus that the celebrity game often devolved into. The faster, more dynamic pace is geared specifically toward younger audiences.
This is the first time MLBx will be part of All-Star Weekend, but it's not the invention of a brand-new game.
MLB Home Run Derby X debuted in 2022 in London, Seoul and Mexico City. In 2023, it was again held in London in conjunction with the MLB London Series. It was held in 2025 in various U.S. locales, with the Dodgers beating the Yankees 72-71 in the finals in Salt Lake City.
Now it's ready for the big stage.
Who Will Play In MLBx?
A full lineup of players for the inaugural MLBx tournament is to be determined, but the league has promised it will include current and former MLB stars, as well as players from the Australian Women's Softball League (or "similar").
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So far, MLB has wisely leaned into the geography of the game. Former Phillies greats Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino have been named as three of the four team captains.
"MLBx is a fresh take on baseball that still highlights the skills fans love to see – power, defense and big moments," Rollins told MLB.com. "Doing it in Philadelphia with this group makes it even more exciting."
Tickets for All-Star Sunday, which also includes the Futures Game, go on sale on May 27 at AllStarGame.com.
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This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 6:37 PM.