The MLB All-Star break means a respite from the season-long grind for MLB bettors. The only true breather in the midst of the six months of regular-season action does nonetheless bring a couple of wagering opportunities. After Juan Soto’s victory in the Home Run Derby, we’re left only with the MLB All-Star Game.
NL Favored To Get Rare All-Star Victory
The AL has enjoyed an amazing run of dominance in the MLB All-Star Game. Starting in 1997, the junior circuit has won 20 times and lost just thrice, a three-year blip from 2010-12. There was also one tie. The average margin of victory for the AL comes out to just 1.29 runs despite the strong stretch.
However, the All-Star Game odds actually slightly favor the NL to grab a rare victory on home turf in Dodger Stadium.
Perhaps that owes a bit to the AL’s slightly unfavorable injury situation. Both teams have a couple of starters out, but the AL’s Mike Trout and Jose Altuve probably count as bigger losses than Jazz Chisholm and Bryce Harper. Additionally, Yordan Alvarez, arguably the best hitter in baseball this year, will sit out from the AL reserves after hitting the IL with a hand injury.
Take a look at the full All-Star Game rosters here.
MLB All-Star Game MVP Odds
In addition to the main game markets, many sportsbooks have odds up for All-Star Game MVP.
If you’re looking for some trends to help you with this one, the obvious thing to point out is pitchers have rarely won the award. Dating to 2000, just two have gotten the hardware. Mariano Rivera won for firing a scoreless inning in his final turn in the game in 2013. Shane Bieber won in 2019 after throwing a scoreless inning at home in Cleveland.
Since most pitchers only get 1 IP, while hitters may get as many as 3 PAs, that makes sense.
Park-wise, Dodger Stadium does favor right-handed hitters a bit as far as the long ball. Swish Analytics gives it a 1.2 park factor for right-handed home runs (20% above average) and 1.05 for left-handed home runs. So a right-handed batter may have a slight edge for creating a memorable, game-turning moment.
Take a look at the top-five favorites to take home All-Star Game MVP and click the odds to place your own bet.
