The MLB All-Star Game, also known as the Midsummer Classic, will bring together the best players in baseball on Tuesday, July 16th. The Home Run Derby has become the main attraction of this multi-day event, but the game itself is another way to enjoy some light-hearted action and potentially make a little bit of money.
The American League has been dominant in this game dating back to 1988, as the AL has won 27 of the last 35 All-Star Games, with one of those non-victories being a tie. However, the National League snapped the American League’s nine-game winning streak last year. The team earned a 3-2 victory at T-Mobile Park, where Elias Diaz’s two-run homer in the eighth inning changed the game. Diaz went on to win MVP because of that.
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The American League is favored to get back in the win column here, but the National League team will definitely be hoping to make it back-to-back victories. Keep reading for a best bet on the game and a long shot to win MVP. Also, check out some Paul Skenes player props, if you want some action on the most exciting name in baseball.
RELATED: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on the MLB All-Star Game
MLB All-Star Game Odds
Moneyline: American League -122, National League +102
Run Line: American League -1.5 (+173), National League +1.5 (-232)
Total: Over 7.5 (-102), Under 7.5 (-118)
How To Watch The MLB All-Star Game
TV: FOX
Location: Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 11th
MLB All-Star Game Best Bet
On Sunday, we learned that Carlos Correa’s foot injury will keep him out of the All-Star Game. He joins Jose Altuve, Rafael Devers and Kyle Tucker as American League players that won’t be able to go. However, a good argument can be made that the American League still has the more dangerous lineup here.
Between Gunnar Henderson, Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, Yordan Alvarez and Jose Ramirez, there are just a bunch of players in the AL lineup that can change this game with one swing of the bat. Between those five players, there’s 127 homers this season. Sure, the NL has Shohei Ohtani and Bryce Harper to combat that, but the overall lineup just doesn’t look as good as the AL’s does.
The AL also happens to be in a good place when it comes to pitching. Corbin Burnes might not be the shiny new toy that Skenes is, but he’s 9-4 with a 2.43 ERA and 110 strikeouts this season. The righty is more than capable of setting the tone by punching out a few NL hitters in a quick opening inning. From there, the AL will feel good about every starter it puts on the mound. And the team also happens to have a much better pool of relievers to work with.
I know it can be boring to go with the chalk, especially in a game like this. But it’s not some fluke that the AL has dominated this game for the last decade, and I expect them to right the ship after last year’s dramatic late-inning loss.
Bet: American League ML (-122)
MLB All-Star Game MVP Prediction
I generally like the idea of taking a player that’s playing in their own ball park here, but Marcus Semien is batting just .242 this season. He’s also hitting .213 at home. Most of his success has come on the road. Corey Seager would be a better option, but he’s not starting. That means he’ll need to do a little too much in whatever amount of limited at-bats he’ll get. Taking that into consideration, my favorite play on the board is actually Steven Kwan. In his career, Kwan is batting .400 with a double, two homers and eight RBIs at Globe Life Field. Kwan is also the leadoff hitter for the AL team, so he should get a good number of at-bats in this game. Of course, going with one of the sluggers behind him isn’t the worst idea either. They could have more opportunities to drive in runs. But I think Kwan will make the most of his at-bats, and he should eventually get up with a chance to drive somebody in.
Bet: Kwan To Win MVP (22-1)
