2023 MLB All-Star Game Preview: American League or National League?

Quinn Allen
By:
Quinn Allen
07/11/2023
Sports Betting News
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2023 MLB All-Star Game Preview: American League or National League?

We are officially at the halfway mark of the big league season. The 2023 MLB All-Star Game is scheduled for Tuesday evening in the Pacific Northwest at the beautiful T-Mobile Park in Seattle. The Home Run Derby wasn’t short on entertainment and hopefully, the main event can live up to expectations.

On the hill, we’ll have Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees getting the start for the American League, while Arizona Diamondbacks stud Zac Gallen takes the bump for the National League. Below, we’ll dive into some ASG history and preview the game. 

Quick Take

  • The 2023 MLB All-Star Game takes place on Tuesday night
  • Both the AL and NL sit at -110 odds at Bodog
  • Who will win the prestigious game? Find the analysis below

MLB All-Star Game History

The American League is on quite the heater in the All-Star Game. They’ve won eight in a row dating back to July of 2013. That means the last time the Nationa League actually came out victorious was in 2012 when they blanked the AL 8-0 at Kauffman Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Royals.

Melky Cabrera powered the NL that day en route to MVP, going 2 for 3 with a two-run home run and a single. As for last year’s festivities, the AL edged out the NL 3-2 at Dodger Stadium.

American League

Aside from Cole starting, this is a Texas Rangers-heavy lineup. Jonah Heim, Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Adolis Garcia, and Josh Jung will all take the field together in the first inning Tuesday. As we all know, the Rangers are one of the best offensive teams in the show and their representation in the Midsummer Classic is a testament to just that.

Shohei Ohtani, Randy Arozarena, and Austin Hayes are the other starters. To be honest, outside of Ohtani and Arozarena, there isn’t really any star talent on the AL side. There are some notable names on the reserve list though, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Bo Bichette, Salvador Perez, and Wander Franco.

After all, the American League is favored by 1.5 on the runline for a reason at Bodog sportsbook. There are also some fantastic arms like Luis Castillo, Kevin Gausman, Ohtani, and Nathan Eovaldi who will likely pitch after Cole. The Yankees ace is dealing this year, owning a 2.85 ERA, which ranks seventh in the Majors. Expect him to come out throwing absolute gas. 

National League

As previously mentioned, it’s been over 10 years since the NL has been the Midsummer Classic winner. But to be brutally honest, this could be their time to finally break the cold skid. This starting lineup is absolutely brimming with superstars.

Among them? Ronald Acuna Jr, Nolan Arenado, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts, among others. The reserves are also wildly impressive, including players such as Pete Alonso, Juan Soto, Jorge Soler, and Matt Olson.

Gallen is having a fantastic campaign and could very well win the Cy Young. He’s gone 11-3 with a 3.04 ERA in 19 starts, striking out 125 in 118.1 innings. The righty does own a 4.14 ERA against AL opponents in 2023 though, which is something to keep in mind.

Even though the National League is a slight runline underdog at most MLB betting sites, we can’t forget the last time they actually left the ASG with a win was on AL territory. Something to keep in mind when betting on this contest.