They call it the “Midsummer Classic”, and for many baseball fans, the annual All-Star Game is still special. At the same time, when the NFL game is flag football, the NBA game is basically a pickup game with no defense, and the NHL game is… well, we’ll see what they come up with next year.
The MLB All-Star Game is still a real game played by real players in a tense competition for baseball’s bragging rights. Which league is better? American or National? While it shed its impact on the regular season when the winning team would determine home-field advantage in the World Series, that game still shines with stars from every team participating.
Nonetheless, the All-Star Game is essentially an exhibition game with only pride on the line. Player motivations can vary widely, so keep that in mind while betting. And the game is also unusual because the managers—the Dodgers’ Davey Roberts for the NL and Yankee manager Aaron Boone for the AL—will likely change pitchers every inning and rotate the position players frequently. Winning is nice, but game participation by all players is optimal as far as the managers are concerned.
Superstar Players
This year, you’ll see most of the superstars who have ruled for the past few years. Aaron Judge is having an incredible year. Shohei Ohtani is also on pace to match last year, and now he’s pitching (although not in the All-Star Game). Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Freddie Freeman, and Manny Machado are all starting for their leagues.
There are some great up-and-coming stars as well. The Cubs have two: Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker. Home-run leader Cal Raleigh of Seattle will be behind the plate. Jacob Wilson, the A’s remarkable rookie, is at shortstop. Javier Báez has rekindled his career with the Tigers. Dodgers catcher Will Smith is among the league leaders in average and RBIs.
Pitching Excellence
But the pitchers are amazing as well. The AL is loaded. Tigers’ Tarik Skubal, Yankees’ Max Fried, the Rangers’ Jacob deGrom, Boston’s Garrett Crochet, Astros’ Josh Hader are shut-down hurlers.
In the NL, Paul Skenes of the Pirates, Chris Sale of the Braves, Zack Wheeler of the Phillies, and Logan Webb of the Giants can rule the mound.
For bettors, there are lots of angles to take. Betting the winning team has been easy for the past few decades. The American League has a 27-7-1 record since 1988. The league has won 9 of the last 10 All-Star Games, except in 2023 when the NL broke the AL’s 9-game winning streak.
The most consistent bet is taking the “Under” for runs scored. In 14 of the last 17 games since 2006, the Under has paid off because of the mastery of the pitching staffs. This year, the pitching is once again very strong, so the Under bet should be strong, with 7 being the projected total at most legal sportsbooks. But shop around and beware of the minus odds that try to balance the wagering.
How about partial game totals? First five innings winner or run totals? Yes or no on first-inning runs?
As always in big games, the player props can be valuable. The MVP picks, home run hitters, strikeouts, etc., make it a fun way to get action in the game. Again, shop around because the odds can vary widely.
Hottest Home Runs
But the most bet upon event at the All-Star Game is the Home Run Derby. There are lots of debates about whether this event is good for the players. Some believe it affects their swings, so getting back to a normal swing sometimes is difficult. But it’s all in good fun.
So far, five players have agreed to join the competition— MLB home run leader Cal Raleigh, Ronald Acuña Jr., of the Braves, Oneil Cruz with the Pirates, young phenom James Wood of the Nationals, Byron Buxton of the Twins, and Junior Caminero of the Rays. There will probably be more participants, but the range of bets is interesting. Some books offer a line on total home runs. Some offer bets regarding which league will win or the longest home run. It’s a fun event and plenty of “live” betting too, as players get eliminated. Don’t miss it.
Baseball bettors need nearly a week during the All-Star break to get back to their bread and butter, but betting the All-Star game gives them a little edge. Don’t miss out.
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