The 94th MLB All-Star Game is set to take place this Tuesday at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, the home of the Texas Rangers. This year, the All-Star Game has a special flavor as it’s hosted by the reigning World Series champions for only the third time in history. As if Arlington wasn’t a baseball city before this, it definitely is now.
With stars like Pirates rookie phenom Paul Skenes taking the mound for the NL and a lineup packed with talent, the game is going to be an exciting showcase of precision and power.
However, we think the AL is going to walk away with a W, and you might just want to bet on it.
When it comes to raw talent, the AL's starting lineup is undeniably unstoppable. Featuring names like Aaron Judge, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Yordan Alvarez, the lineup is stacked with power hitters who can change the game with one swing.
Judge, who has been on a tear this season with a league-leading 34 dingers and a .306 batting average, will anchor the outfield alongside Juan Soto and Steven Kwan. Guerrero Jr. has been a consistent power threat with a .288 average and 14 home runs, making him a key player to watch as well. We might see some great fielding, but the batting is where the star power is going to shine.
The infield is equally impressive, with Marcus Semien, José Ramírez, and Gunnar Henderson. Semien, who replaced an injured Jose Altuve, has been stellar with his glove and bat, hitting a humbling .242 with 13 yard bombs. Ramírez, a perennial MVP candidate, has a .271 average and 23 home runs, and we’re thinking he’ll provide stability and power at third base. Henderson, the Orioles' young star, brings excitement and a .286 average and 28 moon shots to the shortstop position.
All of that is to say the AL is stacked all around. Of course, the NL looks pretty good too. However, we can’t look past these names stepping up to the plate for the American League.
While the starting lineup is naturally going to get the most attention, the AL's pitching is equally dominant. Although AL manager Bruce Bochy has yet to announce his starting pitcher, the options are there. We’re expecting him to make an announcement today now that the MLB regular season games wrapped up Sunday.
The staff includes Tyler Anderson, Corbin Burnes, and Tarik Skubal, all of whom have had outstanding seasons.
Burnes has been lights out with a 2.43 ERA and 110 strikeouts in 19 starts. Anderson, with a 2.97 ERA and a WHIP of 1.17, has produced his own highlight reel for the Angels this season. The bullpen is equally strong, featuring top relievers like Emmanuel Clase and Clay Holmes. Clase has racked up 29 saves while putting together an eye-popping 0.81 ERA. Holmes is up there, too, with his 2.77 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP — so not too far behind Clase.
The AL pitchers are going to be fun to watch. Sure, the NL has some power as well, which we’ll get to in just a moment, but the AL pitchers have been consistently pitching against better teams and batters this entire season.
The NL is not without its stars, but the youth and inexperience of some of its key players might be a disadvantage in a game like the ASG.
Paul Skenes, the rookie phenom from the Pirates, will start for the NL. While Skenes has been exceptional with a 1.90 ERA and 0.92 WHIP, starting the All-Star Game as a rookie is a tall order, and the pressure might be overwhelming. Though, he could go either way because sometimes it seems as if he thrives on pressure. He will be fun to watch, no matter what.
The NL lineup includes veterans like Bryce Harper and Trea Turner but also features younger players like Alec Bohm and Fernando Tatis Jr. Tatis, returning from a suspension, has been good but not quite the dominant force he was before his hiatus. Bohm has shown promise but lacks the consistency of his AL counterparts.
The American League's advantage goes beyond individual talent, although that’s what most people want to see when they watch the game.
The team boasts a balanced attack that combines power, speed, and defensive skills.
Steven Kwan, with his ability to get on base and steal, provides an opportunity to get an early run to take the lead. Kwan has a .407 on-base percentage and dozens of extra base hits, making him a constant threat. We think we’ll see Kwan get on base then Bruce Bochy will have Judge clean him up. It’s the perfect combination to produce runs.
Adley Rutschman, the AL's starting catcher, is another key player who brings both offensive and defensive skills to the table. Rutschman has a .275 average and 16 home runs, but his work behind the plate, managing the pitchers and controlling the running game, will be where he shines.
In games like these, experience can be a game-changer. Yes, pun intended.
The AL roster features several players who have been in high-pressure situations, including the postseason and previous All-Star Games. Aaron Judge, José Ramírez, and Yordan Alvarez have all performed on the big stage. The rest of the team will look to their leadership to secure the W.
The AL also benefits from having Bruce Bochy as their manager. Bochy, a three-time World Series champion, knows how to handle star-studded rosters and manage in-game situations. His experience and no-nonsense demeanor will provide a steadying influence on the team.
When you look back at previous ASGs, you’ll note that these are not high scoring games and they’re usually decided by a run or two. That’s why we think the leadership that the experienced players bring with them is going to be what decides this years ASG.
The ASG isn’t as meaningful as it was in the past when the winner determined home-field advantage during the World Series, but it’s still a fun game to place some bets on. Our money is going to the American League this year.
While the NL boasts impressive talent and a promising future, the American League's combination of star power, depth, and experience makes them the favorite to win this year's All-Star Game.
With a lineup that can put runs on the board quickly and a pitching staff capable of shutting down any offense, the AL is set to bounce back from last year's loss and reclaim the title.
Head over to your favorite sportsbook, get some bonus bets (they all have great bonuses), and place a bet on the ASG. It might not be worth much to the NL or AL aside from some bragging rights, but you can have a stake in the game, and we think the AL is where it is for 2024.