It’s once again time for the Midsummer Classic aka MLB’s All-Star game. This is the 93th edition of the American League vs. National League showdown. But don’t just watch the matchup, bet on it too. In this article, we’re laying out the best bet to make money off the 2023 All-Star game so keep on reading!
- What: 2013 MLB All-Star Game
- When: Tuesday, July 11
- Where: T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington
2023 MLB All-Star Game Preview
Once upon a time, whichever won the All-Star game would get home-field advantage in the World Series. That rule was used to incentivize competition but has since been discarded. Still, compared to the NFL and NBA, the MLB All-Star matchup is way, way more heated. Players actually try in this one. Speaking of which, picking apart the playing rosters is the best way to preview the 2023 All-Star game.
American League Roster
All nine starters for each league were chosen in a two-phase fan poll. The AL’s top vote-getter in the first phase (thus becoming an automatic starter) was, who else, but Shohei Ohtani. The best baseball in the world will be starting as a designated hitter only. Ohtani was voted to start at pitcher, but has a blister, and isn’t expected to be in the mound at all. The former MVP is on his way to a second award this season. He’s batting above .300 with 32 homers. On the mound, he’s 7-4 with a 3.32 ERA and 132 punch-outs (fourth most).
Ohtani isn’t the only starter banged up. Arguably the AL’s next two other best players — Mike Trout and Aaron Judge — are injured and ruled out. Starting in their places at outfield will be Austin Hays and Adolis García. Losing both really takes the bite out of the AL’s lineup. It’s good, obviously, but not a great lineup of hitters. Other starters include Jonah Heim, Yandy Diaz, Marcus Semien, Josh Jung, Corey Seager, and Randy Arozarena.
Dusty Baker will manage the group, and most importantly, the pitching rotation. Don’t expect any one pitcher to go too long in this exhibition game. Top pitchers expected to be used include Luis Castillo, Gerrit Cole, and Sonny Gray, among many others.
National League Roster
The number-one vote earner on the NL side was Ronald Acuna Jr. of Atlanta. Like Ohtani, he’s the runaway frontrunner for MVP in his league. His offensive output is gaudy across the board — 41 steals, 21 homers, 46 extra-base hits, and 78 runs scored. At this pace, Acuna will become MLB’s first-ever 40/70 player with home runs and stolen bases. In a sport this old, it’s mesmerizing when something like that could be accomplished for the first time ever.
There are no injuries to speak of on the NL batting lineup side. All nine voted-in starters are expected to be go-aheads to compete. Mookie Betts, Nolan Arenado, Freddie Freeman, and J.D. Martinez are notable names listed as starters for the NL. Six of the nine offensive starters come from the Dodgers and Braves.
While the NL has no injury woes on the hitting side, the same can’t be said about the pitchers. Count them, a whopping five All-Star pitchers have been ruled out. The group includes Clayton Kershaw, Bryce Elder, Spencer Strider, Marcus Stroman, and Devin Williams. Manager Rob Thomson will have to be smart about how he deploys his throwing staff.
Best Bet To Win 2023 MLB All-Star Game
MLB All-Star odds to win are available at the top betting sites for baseball. As it stands, the AL are marginal betting favorites to come out on top:
History is certainly on the AL side considering the league has won nine consecutive Midsummer Classics. Even on a longer timeframe, NL has won the All-Star game just six times in the last 30 years. That can’t be a coincidence alone, right?
Probably not, but if there’s ever an opening for the NL, it’s this year. Without a healthy Ohtani (on the mound), Judge, and Trout, the AL roster is way more beatable. Our money says the NL gets the win. The group is made up largely of Atlanta and LA players, which is not a bad predicament. The Dodgers are certainly the most talented team league-wise, while the Braves have played like it most. We’ll confidently take the upset here.
How To Bet On MLB All-Star Game
To lock in your MLB All-Star bets, hit one of the bookmakers listed underneath. Not only will you get moneyline odds at these sites, but there’s also a range of prop bets available for the Midsummer Classic. All five sites listed are top-rated in our newest sportsbook reviews so your money is in good hands no matter where you go.
But here’s the best part about using one of these sites: the lucrative sign-up bonuses. Any first-time player of the site can quickly earn anywhere from $500 to $2500 in free play off the deals. That type of money could bankroll your All-Star wagers and even last enough for subsequent MLB games. Our favorite deals available now are listed underneath. Pick one and bet “on the house!”
