MLB All-Star Game, starters, predictions, and more

The MLB All-Star Game is one of the highlights of the season for baseball fans, with a bunch of the best players in the league coming together to play in a star-studded matchup. The Midsummer Classic symbolically marks the halfway point in the MLB season as teams and players begin to gear up for the hot run-in as the dash to reach the postseason commences. We’re going to dive into the history of the MLB All-Star game, as well as looking at which players will be suiting up for the game and, of course, our MLB predictions. Let’s dive in.

History of the MLB All-Star Game

The inaugural MLB All-Star Game took place way back in 1933 as an exhibition game between American League and National League players. It took place in Chicago as part of the 1933 World Fair and although was supposed to be a one-time thing, its success resulted in it becoming an annual contest. There have been a total of 1,976 players to have participated in the MLB All-Star Game since its inception.

Last year’s MLB All-Star Game was won 3-2 by the National League, which snapped a streak of nine consecutive wins by the American League and was just the fourth victory for the NL since 1997. Elias Diaz, representing the Rockies, scored a home run for the National League.

2024 MLB All-Star Game Start Date, Time and How to Watch

The 2024 MLB All-Star Game will take place on Tuesday, July 16, with a start time of 8:00 pm ET. It will emanate from Globe Life Field, home of the reigning World Series champion Texas Rangers, with the matchup airing in its entirety on FOX. The game will also be covered on ESPN Radio.

MLB All-Star Game Starters

As usual, the MLB All-Star Game starters are determined by a fan vote and were revealed on ESPN on Wednesday, July 3. Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper had already been selected, having led each respective league after phase one of the voting, but now the full lineups are set. In total, 10 different teams across MLB will be represented and eight players who will be making their All-Star Game debuts.

Below is a list of each team’s starters, with the rest of the rosters including pitchers being revealed at 5:30 pm ET on Sunday, July 7 live on ESPN.

National League

• William Contreras, Catcher, Milwaukee Brewers
• Bryce Harper, First Base, Philadelphia Phillies
• Ketel Marte, Second Base, Arizona Diamondbacks
• Trea Turner, Shortstop, Philadelphia Phillies
• Alec Bohm, Third Base, Philadelphia Phillies
• Shohei Ohtani, Designated Hitter, Los Angeles Dodgers
• Christian Yelich, Outfield, Milwaukee Brewers
• Jurickson Profar, Outfield, San Diego Padres
• Fernando Tatis Jr., Outfield, San Diego Padres

American League

• Adley Rutschman, Catcher, Baltimore Orioles
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr., First Base, Toronto Blue Jays
• Jose Altuve, Second Base, Houston Astros
• Gunnar Henderson, Shortstop, Baltimore Orioles
• Jose Ramirez, Third Base, Cleveland Guardians
• Yordan Alvarez, Designated Hitter, Houston Astros
• Aaron Judge, Outfield, New York Yankees
• Juan Soto, Outfield, New York Yankees
• Steven Kwan, Outfield, Cleveland Guardians

MLB All-Star Game Odds

Unfortunately, at the time of writing, MLB betting odds are currently unavailable for the 2024 MLB All-Star Game. However, odds should become available shortly after games conclude on Sunday, July 14, meaning bettors will have nearly 48 hours to place their wagers on the matchup. Among the markets likely to be available are money line, run line, total and a host of player prop options.

MLB All-Star Game Predictions

It is difficult to fully lock in our MLB predictions for what will happen in the 2024 MLB All-Star Game without having pitchers confirmed, but looking at the quality of each roster, the edge is likely with the National League. As mentioned, history hasn’t been on the NL’s side in recent years, with just four wins in the last 26 ASGs, but last year’s 3-2 victory could be a sign that the tide is finally turning.

Despite the American League having Aaron Judge, Juan Soto and Yordan Alvarez at their disposal, the National League simply has more strength in depth when it comes to the hitting department. Bryce Harper has been phenomenal in recent years (although his current injury status is something to monitor), while Shohei Ohtani has been red-hot since joining the Dodgers and boasts a .317 batting average with 27 home runs and 70 total runs scored. With Fernando Tatis Jr., Trea Turner and Christian Yelich also stepping up to the plate, it’s hard to see how any pitcher on the American League roster will be able to keep this lineup in check.

All things considered, the National League should be able to outscore the American League and can therefore prevail in what is likely to be a thrilling matchup for baseball fans everywhere.