The Cubs won’t host an All-Star Game at Wrigley Field until at least 2022

This announcement by Major League Baseball kind of flew under the radar the other day, but we now know the site of the All-Star Game in 2021:

And so, the sites of the next three All-Star Games are known. This summer, it will be at Progressive Field in Cleveland. In 2020, Dodger Stadium will be the host, 40 years after the last one there. And SunTrust Park will be the site in 2021. And...

Seems like a long time away, doesn’t it? And why they needed to announce that now is a little bit odd — I understand why the Phillies and MLB wanted the game there in 2026, the 250th anniversary of American independence and all, but that’s seven years away.

I know that the Cubs have wanted to host the ASG once the Wrigley Field restoration/renovation was complete, which it will be sometime later in 2019. There are a few “loose ends” of the 1060 Project to clear up by next year’s Opening Day, including some sort of club in the right-field corner and a renovated press box. The latter is still being evaluated for exactly what they want to do. Even a renovated press box would be too small for an All-Star Game, but then, they are at most ballparks, with events like the ASG and postseason requiring auxiliary media areas.

Also, the ASG is no longer alternated between leagues, but it is put up for bids, with the hosting city also being involved. The city of Chicago would likely coordinate with the Cubs on any bid involving Wrigley Field.

The Braves last hosted the All-Star Game in 2000 at Turner Field. The Cubs last hosted in 1990; the only team anywhere close to that much of a “drought” are the Orioles, who last hosted in 1993, the Rays, who have never hosted, and the Athletics, who last hosted in 1987. The latter two likely won’t get an ASG until their stadium situations are settled.

Hopefully, we’ll see an All-Star Game at Wrigley Field in 2022 or shortly thereafter.