The MLB All-Star Game has lost some of its appeal in recent years as it no longer determines home-field advantage in the World Series.
While it’s not as much of an exhibition match as the NBA All-Star Game, it has also become a little less competitive over the past few seasons.
In my opinion, pitchers still love to show off their skills in the All-Star Game, and this is a great opportunity for elite small-market pitchers to show off their skills to a national audience.
During the 2022 National League Cy Young Award campaign, Sandy Alcantara was passed over as the starting pitcher in place of Clayton Kershaw due to sentiment regarding the event being held at Dodger Stadium, but he quickly unleashed a 99 mph sinker in the second inning, striking out Giancarlo Stanton and Byron Buxton on seven pitches.
Rookie sensation Paul Skenes is the starting pitcher of the National League this year, and it would be surprising if he didn’t strike out batters. He’s the kind of pitcher who shines in the spotlight.
With that in mind, I’m going to bet on low scoring matches.
Since 2017, five of the six All-Star Games have been under 7.5 points and three have been under 5. The final score in the past two All-Star Games is 3-2.
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Additionally, Globe Life Field is expected to see roughly a 5 percent decrease in scoring when the roof is closed, as it was Tuesday night.
This should reduce the distance of the fly ball.
From a historical, ballpark, and anecdotal standpoint, I expect the All-Star Game to be a low-scoring third consecutive time.
Play: Under 7.5 Runs (-115, BetMGM).
