The best all-star game in sports goes down on Tuesday, as the 93rd edition of the MLB All-Star Game is set. The 2023 MLB All-Star Game takes place in T-Mobile Park in Seattle, but it may as well be taking place in Arlington, Texas, as the Texas Rangers dominate the American League Roster. Here is your game preview and betting guide.
2023 MLB All-Star Game Betting Preview: Odds, Picks, & Best Bets
First, let’s take a look at who is actually suiting up for this game. Many big names (Aaron Judge, Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw) will be sitting out due to injury, so I haven’t included them on this roster list. Here are the actual players we’re basing our bets on.
2023 MLB All-Star Game National League Roster
Starters
- C Sean Murphy Braves
- 1B Freddie Freeman Dodgers
- 2B Luis Arráez Marlins
- 3B Nolan Arenado Cardinals
- SS Orlando Arcia Braves
- OF Ronald Acuña Jr. Braves
- OF Mookie Betts Dodgers
- OF Corbin Carroll Diamondbacks
- DH J. D. Martinez Dodgers
Reserves
- C Elías Díaz Rockies
- C Will Smith Dodgers
- 1B Pete Alonso Mets
- 1B Matt Olson Braves
- 2B Ozzie Albies Braves
- 3B Austin Riley Braves
- SS Geraldo Perdomo Diamondbacks
- OF Nick Castellanos Phillies
- OF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Diamondbacks
- OF Juan Soto Padres
- DH Jorge Soler Marlins
Pitchers
- David Bednar Pirates
- Corbin Burnes Brewers
- Alex Cobb Giants
- Alexis Díaz Reds
- Camilo Doval Giants
- Zac Gallen Diamondbacks (ASG starter)
- Josiah Gray Nationals
- Josh Hader Padres
- Mitch Keller Pirates
- Craig Kimbrel Phillies
- Kodai Senga Mets
- Justin Steele Cubs
2023 MLB All-Star Game American League Roster
Starters
- C Jonah Heim Rangers
- 1B Yandy Díaz Rays
- 2B Marcus Semien Rangers
- 3B Josh Jung Rangers
- SS Corey Seager Rangers
- OF Randy Arozarena Rays
- OF Adolis García Rangers
- OF Austin Hays Orioles
- DH Shohei Ohtani Angels
Reserves
- C Salvador Pérez Royals
- C Adley Rutschman Orioles
- 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Blue Jays
- 2B Whit Merrifield Blue Jays
- 3B José Ramírez Guardians
- SS Bo Bichette Blue Jays
- SS Wander Franco Rays
- OF Luis Robert Jr. White Sox
- OF Julio Rodríguez Mariners
- OF Kyle Tucker Astros
- DH Brent Rooker Athletics
Pitchers
- Félix Bautista Orioles
- Yennier Canó Orioles
- Luis Castillo Mariners
- Gerrit Cole Yankees (ASG Starter)
- Nathan Eovaldi Rangers
- Carlos Estévez Angels
- Sonny Gray Twins
- Kenley Jansen Red Sox
- George Kirby Mariners
- Pablo López Twins
- Michael Lorenzen Tigers
- Shohei Ohtani Angels
- Jordan Romano Blue Jays
My Bets
Now to address the elephant in the room – the American League has DOMINATED the MLB All-Star Game in recent years, winning nine straight games and 21 of the last 24 games (with a tie game excluded). Why is this happening? Hard to say. You can’t even point to the AL’s use of the DH as the reason any longer, as the National League has adopted that as well. And the National League has won three of the last four World Series, so it’s not a matter of better teams being in the AL.
So, do we bet on an unexplainable trend, or do we dive into the rosters and try to pick the better team? Let’s break down the rosters. I like the bats of the National League more, led by Ronald Acuna Jr, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Matt Olson, and Corbin Carroll. This is especially true with Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, and Yordan Alvarez out with injuries on the American League side.
Let’s turn to the men on the mound. I think I’m leaning National League here as well, especially with Shohei Ohtani unlikely to pitch in the game and with Shane McClanahan, Framber Valdez, and Kevin Gausman expected to miss the game for the AL as well.
Yep, I’m going against the recent trend of dominance, and I’m betting on the National League to win the All-Star Game at even money, +100. And with five of the last six games going under 7.5 runs, I think playing Under 7.5 at -120 is the move.
