MLB Best Bets Today (April 25, 2025): Expert Picks & Top Player Props for Every Game

Looking for the best MLB bets today? We've got you covered with expert MLB predictions for today’s full 15-game slate on Friday, April 25, 2025. Below we break down each matchup – including MLB picks today on the moneyline or total – and highlight a Best Bet and a Top Prop play (player prop) for each game. From afternoon action at Wrigley to late-night battles on the West Coast, here are the best MLB picks today and player props for every game.

Philadelphia Phillies at Chicago Cubs – 2:20 PM ET (Chicago)

Odds: Cubs -155 (Phillies +135); O/U 7.5​espn.com

Starting Pitchers: Phillies RHP Taijuan Walker (1-1, 2.29 ERA) vs. Cubs RHP Colin Rea (0-0, 1.32 ERA)​mlb.com​mlb.com

Prediction: The Cubs (16-10) enter as moderate home favorites over the Phillies (13-12)​mlb.com​mlb.com thanks to a hot start and a stingy pitching staff. Chicago’s lineup has been productive early, and they’ll look to give Colin Rea (1.32 ERA in limited action) some run support​mlb.com. Philadelphia counters with Taijuan Walker, who has pitched well (2.29 ERA)​mlb.com but could face trouble in the daytime confines of Wrigley Field. The total is a modest 7.5, reflecting respect for these pitchers and potentially chilly Chicago weather keeping runs down​espn.com. The Cubs’ offense has been more consistent, and with home-field advantage, they have the edge in a close matchup.

Best Bet: Cubs -155 moneyline. Chicago is 8-3 at home and should capitalize on a Phillies team that’s been average on the road. With Walker’s occasional command issues and a reliable Cubs bullpen, backing the home favorite is the safer play.​espn.com

Top Prop: Kyle Schwarber to hit a home run. The former Cub loves hitting at Wrigley. Schwarber’s power (45 HR in 2024) makes him a strong candidate to go deep against Rea’s contact-heavy approach. A revenge homer against his old team is a solid prop play in this one.

Baltimore Orioles at Detroit Tigers – 6:40 PM ET (Detroit)

Odds: Tigers -120 (Orioles +100); O/U 8.5​espn.com

Starting Pitchers: Orioles RHP Brandon Young (0-0, 6.75 ERA) vs. Tigers RHP Casey Mize (3-1, 2.22 ERA)​mlb.com​mlb.com

Prediction: Don’t look now, but the Tigers (15-10) are off to a surprisingly strong start​mlb.com, while the Orioles (10-14) have stumbled out of the gate​mlb.com. Detroit’s success has been fueled by pitching – Casey Mize has a sparkling 2.22 ERA through four starts​mlb.com – and he’ll be eager to tame an Orioles lineup that’s been inconsistent. Baltimore hands the ball to rookie Brandon Young, who was hit hard in a brief appearance (6.75 ERA)​mlb.com. The Tigers offense isn’t explosive, but they’ve done enough to support their arms. Against an inexperienced pitcher, Detroit should manufacture runs. This feels like a game where Detroit’s pitching holds the O’s in check and the Tigers scratch out a win at Comerica Park.

Best Bet: Tigers -120 moneyline. With Mize in great form and the Orioles sending out an unproven arm, Detroit is a solid play at home. Mize’s command and the Tigers’ bullpen (2.90 ERA collectively) give them the edge to win a low-scoring affair.​mlb.com

Top Prop: Riley Greene over 1.5 total bases. The Tigers’ young outfielder has been heating up at the plate. Greene can achieve 2+ total bases with a couple of singles or one extra-base hit. Facing a rookie pitcher, he should see some hittable pitches – a gapper or two is very feasible.

New York Mets at Washington Nationals – 6:45 PM ET (Washington)

Odds: Mets -180 (Nationals +150); O/U 9.5​espn.com

Starting Pitchers: Mets RHP Kodai Senga (3-1, 0.79 ERA) vs. Nationals RHP Jake Irvin (2-0, 3.68 ERA)​mlb.com​mlb.com

Prediction: The Mets (18-7) have been dominant to start the season​mlb.com, and they’ll look to continue their NL East lead behind Kodai Senga, who has been lights out (0.79 ERA) through four starts​mlb.com. The Nationals (11-14)​mlb.comhave been more competitive than expected, and young Jake Irvin has held his own (3.68 ERA)​mlb.com. However, Washington’s lineup lacks firepower compared to New York’s. The Mets offense, led by Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor, should put pressure on Irvin and a shaky Nats bullpen. Senga’s nasty forkball has baffled hitters (20 K in 22.2 IP)​mlb.com, so Washington will likely struggle to string together rallies. Unless the Mets suffer a letdown, this matchup heavily favors New York to win comfortably.

Best Bet: Mets -1.5 run line. Laying -180 on the moneyline is steep, so take New York to win by 2+. The Mets are outscoring opponents by a wide margin and have the bullpen to secure a multi-run lead. Senga should silence the Nats’ bats, and the Mets offense can do enough to cover the run line.​espn.com

Top Prop: Kodai Senga over 6.5 strikeouts. Senga has racked up 20 Ks in his first three outings and faces a Nationals lineup with several free-swingers. With his swing-and-miss splitter, a 7+ strikeout performance is well within reach. He could approach double-digit strikeouts if he pitches deep into the game.

Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees – 7:05 PM ET (Bronx)

Odds: Yankees -135 (Blue Jays +115); O/U 9.5​espn.com

Starting Pitchers: Blue Jays RHP José Berríos (1-1, 5.02 ERA) vs. Yankees RHP Carlos Carrasco (2-1, 6.53 ERA)​mlb.com​mlb.com

Prediction: A classic AL East showdown finds the Yankees (15-10) slightly favored over the Blue Jays (12-13)​mlb.com​mlb.com. Neither team’s starter has impressed so far – José Berríos sports a bloated 5.02 ERA​mlb.com, and Carlos Carrasco has been even worse with a 6.53 ERA​mlb.com. Offense could take center stage at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees lineup, powered by Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, has been one of the league’s top scoring units early on. Toronto’s bats (Vlad Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette) can mash as well, but they’ve been inconsistent and could be without a key hitter (check lineup status for George Springer or others). With two vulnerable pitchers on the mound, expect plenty of traffic on the bases. This game has the makings of a back-and-forth slugfest, and whichever bullpen bends less in the late innings will prevail. Given New York’s home-field advantage and a slight edge in relief pitching, the Yankees have the nod in a high-scoring affair.

Best Bet: Over 9.5 runs. Both Berríos and Carrasco have been prone to blow-ups, and these offenses have too much firepower to be contained. The last time Berríos faced New York, he was chased early. With the short porch in right field and wind likely carrying, double-digit runs are a strong possibility​espn.com.

Top Prop: Aaron Judge to hit a home run. The reigning AL MVP is always a threat in his home park. Judge has feasted off Berríos historically and is seeing the ball well, with 8 homers already on the season. In a game where we expect offense, backing Judge to go deep is a prime prop bet (he could easily clear the fences in the first few innings).

Boston Red Sox at Cleveland Guardians – 7:10 PM ET (Cleveland)

Odds: Guardians -110 (Red Sox -110); O/U 8.5​espn.com

Starting Pitchers: Red Sox RHP Tanner Houck (0-2, 7.66 ERA) vs. Guardians RHP Ben Lively (1-2, 3.86 ERA)​mlb.com​mlb.com

Prediction: This matchup is nearly a toss-up, with Cleveland (14-10) hosting Boston (14-13) in an interdivision battle​mlb.com​mlb.com. The Guardians send out Ben Lively, a journeyman who’s been serviceable with a 3.86 ERA​mlb.com. Boston counters with Tanner Houck, who has struggled mightily (7.66 ERA) and is still seeking his first win​mlb.com. The Red Sox offense has been a bright spot – Rafael Devers and Masataka Yoshida are driving in runs – but Houck’s inability to keep runs off the board has put Boston in early holes. Cleveland’s lineup is less potent, relying on José Ramírez and timely hitting from youngsters like Steven Kwan. Look for the Guardians to try manufacturing runs via small ball and exploiting Houck’s control issues. If Lively can navigate around Devers and Justin Turner, Cleveland should be in position to win a close one. At home, with a slight pitching edge, the Guardians are a fair bet to prevail.

Best Bet: Guardians -110 moneyline. Cleveland at near even odds is attractive given Houck’s struggles. The Guardians don’t often blow teams out, but they excel in tight games. Expect Cleveland’s bullpen (one of MLB’s best last year) to make the difference late and help secure the win.​espn.com

Top Prop: José Ramírez over 1.5 total bases. Ramírez is the engine of Cleveland’s offense and a good bet to collect at least two bases via hit(s). With Houck’s 7.66 ERA indicating he’s allowing plenty of traffic, J-Ram should see pitches to hit. A couple of singles or one gap double will cash this prop – and Ramírez’s switch-hitting ability gives him an advantage regardless of Boston’s bullpen matchup.

Los Angeles Angels at Minnesota Twins – 7:40 PM ET (Minneapolis)

Odds: Twins -200 (Angels +170); O/U 7.5​espn.com

Starting Pitchers: Angels RHP Kyle Hendricks (0-2, 4.50 ERA) vs. Twins RHP Pablo López (1-1, 1.62 ERA)​mlb.com​mlb.com

Prediction: On paper this looks lopsided. The Twins (9-16) have a surprisingly poor record so far, but they’re heavy favorites hosting the Angels (12-12)​mlb.com​mlb.com, largely due to a significant pitching advantage. Pablo López has been phenomenal with a 1.62 ERA for Minnesota​mlb.com, consistently delivering quality starts. The Angels send veteran Kyle Hendricks, recently acquired to bolster their rotation; he’s been mediocre (4.50 ERA) in two starts​mlb.com. Minnesota’s offense has underachieved (hence the record), but players like Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton are threats to bust out at any time. The Angels, now without Shohei Ohtani (who departed in free agency), rely heavily on Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon to generate runs – and they’ll have their work cut out for them against López’s mix of fastballs and nasty change-ups. Given the mismatch on the mound, the Twins have a golden opportunity to get a much-needed win. Look for López to silence the Angels’ bats, while Minnesota scratches across enough runs against Hendricks and the Angels’ bullpen to secure victory.

Best Bet: Twins -1.5 run line (+ 1.5). Minnesota’s offense should capitalize on Hendricks if he’s not sharp, and López can dominate an Angels lineup that is prone to strikeouts without Ohtani. With a low total of 7.5​espn.com, a 5-2 type win for the Twins seems plausible, covering the spread. Taking the run line yields a better payout and the Twins have the pitching to win by multiple runs.

Top Prop: Mike Trout over 1.5 total bases. Even in a losing effort, Trout can shine. He’s one of the best hitters in baseball and could easily double or homer off López or a reliever. Trout has been one of the few consistent bats for L.A., and his ability to drive the ball to all fields means two bases (a pair of singles or extra-base hit) is very achievable.

Houston Astros at Kansas City Royals – 7:40 PM ET (Kansas City)

Odds: Astros -120 (Royals +100); O/U 7.5​espn.com

Starting Pitchers: Astros RHP Hayden Wesneski (1-1, 3.91 ERA) vs. Royals RHP Seth Lugo (1-3, 3.90 ERA)​mlb.com​mlb.com

Prediction: The defending champion Astros (13-11) haven’t quite hit their stride yet​mlb.com, but they have a favorable matchup against the Royals (12-14)​mlb.com. Houston’s Hayden Wesneski, a young righty acquired in the offseason, has been solid with a 3.91 ERA​mlb.com. He’ll face a Kansas City lineup centered around Bobby Witt Jr. and MJ Melendez – talented, but prone to cold stretches. KC sends veteran Seth Lugo to the mound; despite a respectable 3.90 ERA​mlb.com, he’s just 1-3, largely due to poor run support. The Royals offense tends to sputter, and against Houston’s quality arms, runs could be scarce. The Astros haven’t been crushing the ball as they normally do (Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker have been steady, but others are slumping), yet they usually find ways to win tight games. Expect a low-scoring duel in Kauffman Stadium, where extra-base hits are harder to come by. In the end, Houston’s experience and bullpen advantage (KC’s bullpen ERA is near 5.00, whereas Houston’s is around 3.30) should tilt the outcome in the Astros’ favor, even if it’s close.

Best Bet: Astros -120 moneyline. You’re getting the better team at near pick’em odds. Houston’s lineup, even when not firing on all cylinders, is more trustworthy late in the game. In a battle of evenly matched starters, bet on the Astros to pull out a win, perhaps 4-3, backed by clutch hits from their veteran bats.​espn.com

Top Prop: Yordan Alvarez over 1.5 total bases. Alvarez is a doubles and homers machine. The lefty slugger could do damage at spacious Kauffman Stadium by splitting a gap or clearing the fence. He’s hitting over .300 with power, and Lugo’s tendency to rely on breaking balls could backfire against a hitter of Alvarez’s caliber. Two bases from Yordan might happen in one swing.

Milwaukee Brewers at St. Louis Cardinals – 8:15 PM ET (St. Louis)

Odds: Cardinals -125 (Brewers +105); O/U 8.5​espn.com

Starting Pitchers: Brewers RHP Chad Patrick (1-1, 2.11 ERA) vs. Cardinals LHP Matthew Liberatore (1-2, 3.60 ERA)​mlb.com​mlb.com

Prediction: It’s an early-season NL Central tilt with the Brewers (13-13) and Cardinals (10-15) trending in opposite directions record-wise​mlb.com​mlb.com. St. Louis has underperformed but is favored at home, indicating confidence in the matchup. The Cardinals start lefty Matthew Liberatore, who’s been decent (3.60 ERA) in his return to the rotation​mlb.com. Milwaukee will debut (or give an early start to) Chad Patrick, who has impressed in a small sample with a 2.11 ERA​mlb.com. The unknown factor is Patrick – can he handle a Cardinals lineup featuring Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado under the bright lights at Busch Stadium? The Brewers offense has been inconsistent, with Christian Yelich and Willy Adames off to slow starts. St. Louis, meanwhile, has the talent to score in bunches but has been thwarted by leaving runners on base in key spots during their 10-15 start. This game could come down to bullpens, and that’s an area the Brewers usually excel. However, expect a sense of urgency from the Cardinals. They can’t afford to keep losing divisional games, and their veterans might treat this as a must-win. Look for Liberatore to keep the Brewers off balance just enough while the Cards’ bats do damage once they get a read on the rookie Patrick.

Best Bet: Cardinals -125 moneyline. This is a gut check game for St. Louis. At home with basically a pick’em line, trust the Cardinals’ experience. Goldschmidt and Arenado have strong career numbers against Milwaukee pitching and should lead the charge. We’ll side with the Cards to grind out a win, even if it’s by a one or two-run margin.​espn.com

Top Prop: Paul Goldschmidt over 1.5 total bases. Goldy is a lefty masher and faces a righty rookie, which still bodes well for his bat. He can rack up two bases with a pair of singles or one well-struck extra-base hit. The 2022 NL MVP remains a hitting machine; after a quiet series, he’s due for a big night – a double and a walk (or two singles) would cash this.

Cincinnati Reds at Colorado Rockies – 8:40 PM ET (Denver)

Odds: Reds -120 (Rockies +100); O/U 9.5​espn.com

Starting Pitchers: Reds LHP Andrew Abbott (2-0, 1.64 ERA) vs. Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (0-4, 4.85 ERA)​mlb.com​mlb.com

Prediction: The Reds (12-13) visit Coors Field to face the struggling Rockies (4-20)​mlb.com​mlb.com. Cincinnati is favored on the road, which is telling of Colorado’s free-fall – the Rockies own the worst record in MLB at 4-20​mlb.com. Andrew Abbott, Cincinnati’s young lefty, has been excellent with a 1.64 ERA and two wins in as many decisions​mlb.com. He now gets to test his stuff in the thin air of Denver. Opposing him is Kyle Freeland, a Colorado native who usually thrives at Coors, but this season has been rough (0-4, 4.85 ERA)​mlb.com. The Rockies’ offense has been anemic, which is unusual for them – outside of Kris Bryant and C.J. Cron, there hasn’t been much production. The Reds, meanwhile, bring some exciting young bats like Jonathan India and Elly De La Cruz, who could feast on Colorado’s pitching. Coors Field is known for offense, but with the Rockies slumping, it might be the Reds doing most of the scoring. Abbott’s mix of a high-spin fastball and sharp curve could still be effective if he keeps the ball down. As long as Cincinnati doesn’t get rattled by the altitude, they should handle a Rockies team that looks overmatched in all facets right now.

Best Bet: Reds -120 moneyline. It’s not often you see Colorado as a home underdog at Coors, but there’s a reason – they’re that bad at the moment. Cincinnati has the pitching edge and more momentum. Abbott can limit the damage, and the Reds should plate enough runs off Freeland and a Rockies bullpen carrying a bloated ERA. Back the better team to win, even on the road.​espn.com

Top Prop: Elly De La Cruz over 1.5 total bases. One of baseball’s top prospects, De La Cruz has game-changing speed and power. In Coors Field, a hitter like him could pile up bases quickly – even a single in the gap can turn into a hustle double. He might get 2 total bases in one swing via a double or even leg out a triple. Bet on Elly’s explosiveness to show in the box score.

Atlanta Braves at Arizona Diamondbacks – 9:40 PM ET (Phoenix)

Odds: Braves -130 (Diamondbacks +110); O/U 8.5​espn.com

Starting Pitchers:&