The MLB All-Star Game happening tonight is not only a chance for fans to watch the best of the best go against one another, but it’s also a time for sports bettors to make their MLB All-Star Game best bets and try to win some money.
The MLB All-Star looks a little different from the first incarnation held on July 6, 1933. The event has changed the format a time or two along the way. There was even a time when the winning team dictated who got home-field advantage in the World Series, adding some extra importance to the in-season event.
Heading into the 2023 MLB All-Star Game, bettors would benefit to know which bets are worth taking a flier on. As we get ready for the second half of baseball season, here are a few MLB All-Star Game best bets that you should consider. You can bet on all of the games using a variety of sportsbook options, including sweepstakes sportsbooks like Fliff if you live in an unregulated state.
About the MLB All-Star Game:
When: 8 PM EST, Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Where: Seattle’s T-Mobile Park
US Broadcast: FOX Sports
Lines: American League (-110), National League (-110), over/under 7.5 (O7.5 +100, U7.5 -120)
MLB All-Star Game Best Bets
The MLB All-Star Game can be tough to predict for a few reasons. For starters, most of the players are there to enjoy themselves, not give their all to the game itself. On top of that, the goal is to get every player involved, so most of the guys will get maybe an inning or two of action before being pulled.
There are, however, a few names and bets that stand above the rest. These are the MLB All-Star Game best bets that you should be getting behind heading into the game.
All-Star Game MVP: Ronald Acuna Jr. (+850)
All eyes will probably be on Shohei Otani (+600) to win MVP. He has the tools to put on a show, especially in a short stint. That said, Acuna Jr. is the kind of dynamic player that will not only get on base but could possibly steal a base or two while he’s there.
Acuna Jr. has the complete skill set needed to be a threat no matter where he is. If Ohtani sends a screamer or two into the stands, then it will likely be his award for the taking. If you are going to bet on MVP, take the guy who has the complete skills to make a big impact on the game.
1st Run: American League (+110)
The safe money is on the National League to score first (-140) because they are first up. If they can get out of the top half of the first unscathed, a lineup featuring Ohtani and Randy Arozarena could get the AL on the board early.
American League starting pitcher Gerrit Cole will have his hands full. He will face Acuna Jr., Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Bets at the very least. That kind of lineup can definitely put up runs in short order. Still, the American League to score first is a good value and certainly ramps up the drama of the top half of the inning for American League bettors.
Both Teams to Score 3 Runs or More (+110)
The books like this to be a low-scoring game but there is simply too much offense to go around. You could even stretch this to both teams scoring at least four runs (+235) and feel pretty good about the chances of it hitting. Betting on the scoring to go high is a strong MLB-All Star Game best bet.
If you want to play it safe, stick with three runs for each team. Both sides are simply too talented across the lineup, not to mention the variance in pitchers typically leads to offensive fireworks. If either side can get to the starter early, all bets are off on just how many runs can be scored. The National League, with spray hitters like Acuna Jr., Betts, and Luis Arrez can get on damage and put AL pitchers in an unenviable position. That has got to equate to runs sooner rather than later.