The Giants have announced a significant change in the fan experience for 2019: Kiddies and their parents will get an extra half-hour of sleep on school and work nights.

Monday through Thursday night games at AT&T park will begin at 6:45 p.m. instead of the traditional 7:15 p.m., according to the annual letter that Giants President Larry Baer sent to fans Tuesday, a move Baer said will “better serve fans and families during the work week.”

Other teams, including the Diamondbacks and Rockies, switched to earlier weeknight starts several years ago.

Baer also announced new season-ticket benefits that include a ticket-exchange program and 20 percent discount on food and concessions.

While not included in the letter because the details are not finalized, the Giants are hoping to install a new, high-definition scoreboard similar to those in newer ballparks.

Team spokeswoman Staci Slaughter said new game time and season-ticket benefits follow fan suggestions. A’s fans have had a ticket-exchange program for years and introduced concession discounts as part of a new season-ticket membership plan.

Baer also explained the decision to hire a new chief baseball officer, who will create a blueprint that will “look closely at every facet of fielding a winning team,” including player conditioning, analytics, scouting and ensuring “our players keep their competitive edge throughout the grind of a 162-game regular season.”

Henry Schulman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: hschulman@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hankschulman