MLB’s All-Star Game has lost some luster in recent years, primarily because the event no longer decides World Series home-field advantage.
While it’s not as much of an exhibition match as the NBA All-Star Game, it’s also lost some competitive edge over the past few seasons.
From an anecdotal standpoint, I believe pitchers still love to strut their stuff in the All-Star Game. It’s a good opportunity for elite, smaller-market arms to showcase their abilities to a national audience.
During his 2022 National League Cy Young campaign, Sandy Alcantara was snubbed as the starter in favor of Clayton Kershaw — for sentimental reasons, given the event was hosted at Dodger Stadium — but immediately came out firing 99-mph sinkers in the second inning, striking out Giancarlo Stanton and Byron Buxton on seven pitches.
Rookie sensation Paul Skenes is this year’s National League starting pitcher, and I would be surprised if he doesn’t strike out the side — he’s the type of pitcher that figures to shine in the spotlight.
With that in mind, I’m partial to betting on a lower-scoring affair.
Since 2017, five of six All-Star Games have stayed under 7.5 runs, with three featuring five or fewer. The final score the past two All-Star Games: 3-2.
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Additionally, Globe Life Field sees around a five percent decrease in scoring with the roof closed, as it will be Tuesday night.
This should knock down the distance on some fly balls.Â
From a historical, park factor, and anecdotal perspective, I’m banking on a third-straight low-scoring All-Star Game.
THE PLAY: Under 7.5 runs (-115, BetMGM).