MLB All-Star Game – Predictions, live updates and takeaways
The Midsummer Classic is here. The 2023 MLB All-Star Game will be played Tuesday night at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park (8 ET on FOX).
Led by Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani and Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr.—the MVP favorites in their respective leagues—baseball’s best will show off their skills.
The American League won the game at Dodger Stadium last year, their ninth straight win. The AL holds an overall record of 47-43-2 against the National League.
We’re your one-stop shop for everything All-Star Game – from predictions to live updates as soon as we hit the ground running, to analysis and insights.
The starting lineups
live updates
Who will win the All-Star Game and with what score?
Alden Gonzalez: I can’t see the American League winning their tenth straight All-Star Game. Not if Mike Trout, Aaron Judge and Yordan Alvarez aren’t in the roster. The National League will take the lead early and finally – for the first time since 2012 – win the Midsummer Classic. National League 8, American League 2.
Jeff Passan: The American League because the AL only wins All-Star Games. Nine in a row and 21 of the last 24 (excluding the infamous 2002 draw). Talent-wise, the NL line-up is better and their pitching is deeper, but there’s just something about the Midsummer Classic that seems to get the best out of the junior circuit. American League 3, National League 2.
Jesse Rogers: The American League will win this one. Vlad Guerrero Jr – who just won the derby – will come off the bench and take another long shot to push the AL side forward. This after Randy Arozarena and Ohtani caused damage early on and upset first-time All-Star Game starter Zac Gallen. American League 6, National League 3.
Who is your All-Star Game MVP pick?
Gonzalez: Mookie Betts has had an OPS of 1,121 since early June and is led only by Major League-leading Ohtani. One of the reasons he was reluctant to compete in the Home Run Derby was because his game swing felt so good. This will continue. He will shine best from 3rd on the lineup – especially if he can switch to shortstop later in the game.
passers-by: Ohtani. Because if you’re betting on something totally random, you might as well be betting on the best baseball player most likely to do something mind-blowing and breathtaking.
Rogers: Aro Arena. In big moments he just can’t help it. Ohtani will get his, but Arozarena will outshine him — all while snapping some selfies with some fans. He will hit three including a home run to take home the honor.
Which All Star Game matchup are you looking forward to the most?
Gonzalez: Juan Soto has never played Felix Bautista but the two will come forward later and could face off at a crucial moment. Soto’s combination of disc discipline and slugging is legendary. Bautista has become one of the most dominant relief pitchers in the sport with a three-point fastball and a devastating splitter. That would be a lot of fun.
passers-by: The last time Gerrit Cole faced Acuna was during the 2020 season — Cole’s first time with the Yankees and Acuna’s last before tearing his right cruciate ligament. Both are now near the peak of their powers, with Cole making the first All-Star Game start of his illustrious career and Acuna the NL MVP favorite. And the best thing about this power vs. power spectacle: It’s the game’s first hit, a sounder if there ever was one.
Rogers: Josh Hader vs. Ohtani. Provided that Ohtani stays in the game long enough, an exciting duel awaits us. The two have never faced each other, so why not for the first time in the All-Star Game? If Ohtani hits a fireball thrown by Hader, he could fly into the Pacific Ocean. It’s going to be a moment to keep in mind.
