MLB Best Bets Today: Top Predictions and Picks for April 7, 2025

Monday’s MLB slate on April 7, 2025 features 11 games, and we’ve got MLB best bets today for each matchup. Below you’ll find a sharp betting preview for every game, including MLB predictions on the moneyline, run line (spread), or total, plus at least one MLB player prop to consider. Whether you’re looking for MLB picks today or trying to identify the best MLB bets on the board, this comprehensive preview has you covered.

We break down each game with key stats, team form, and pitching matchups, then provide a full game prediction with a recommended betting pick. We also highlight a player prop bet for each game – perfect for those targeting MLB props today. Let’s dive into Monday’s matchups and find some value in the odds.

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• UFC 314 Predictions: Marco Tulio vs Tresean Gore 4/12 

Yankees vs Tigers (Rodon vs Mize)

The New York Yankees open this road series as favorites behind left-hander Carlos Rodon. Rodon is coming off a strong finish to last season and looked sharp this spring. The Yankees’ lineup, led by Aaron Judge, has been producing early runs and was among the league’s top offenses last year. In contrast, the Detroit Tigers are still rebuilding. Righty Casey Mizereturns to the mound for Detroit after lengthy injury rehab (Tommy John surgery in 2022) – he’s a talented young arm but may be on a pitch count and still finding his form. Offensively, Detroit has struggled to generate runs, and their young lineup could be overmatched by Rodon’s power pitching.

We expect New York’s bats to give Rodon plenty of support. The Yankees have dominated this matchup in recent years and should jump on the Tigers’ pitching early. Meanwhile, Rodon’s swing-and-miss stuff can shut down a Detroit lineup that was near the bottom of the AL in scoring. In the end, the Yankees should win comfortably by multiple runs. Pick:Yankees -1.5 (Run Line). This gives better value than the moneyline on a heavy favorite and we see New York covering the spread behind a superior offense and pitcher.

Player Prop: Aaron Judge over 1.5 total bases. Judge is the centerpiece of the Yankees’ offense and is off to a hot start. He can collect multiple bases via a couple of hits or one of his trademark extra-base hits. Facing a rusty Mize and a mediocre Tigers bullpen, Judge has a great chance to tally at least two total bases in this game.

Cardinals vs Pirates (Liberatore vs Mlodzinski)

The St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates square off in a NL Central battle. St. Louis hands the ball to young left-hander Matthew Liberatore, who is looking to cement his spot in the rotation. Liberatore has been inconsistent in the past (with an elevated ERA in his MLB stints), but he has the stuff to succeed if he commands the zone. The Cardinals offense, anchored by veterans Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, is aiming to bounce back after a disappointing 2024 season. They still have plenty of pop and experience, which could spell trouble for Pittsburgh’s pitching. On the other side, the Pirates are starting Carmen Mlodzinski, a right-hander who spent most of last year in the bullpen. Mlodzinski is relatively untested as a starter, and Pittsburgh’s bullpen behind him is shaky. The Pirates lineup has some young talent (Ke’Bryan Hayes, Bryan Reynolds, and a healthy Oneil Cruz), but overall they were middle-of-the-pack in scoring and can struggle, especially against lefties.

St. Louis appears to have a slight edge in both pitching and lineup experience. Liberatore will need to avoid free passes, but if he throws strikes, he can limit a Pirates lineup that isn’t particularly potent. The Cardinals have also historically played well at PNC Park. Look for the Cards’ offense to capitalize on Mlodzinski’s inexperience and perhaps build an early lead. Pick: Cardinals moneyline. St. Louis is a modest favorite here, and we like them to get the road win. Their veteran bats should do enough damage, and a refocused Cardinals team is the more trustworthy side to bet in this matchup.

Player Prop: Paul Goldschmidt over 1.5 total bases. The Cardinals’ first baseman is a professional hitter who feasts on right-handed pitching. Goldschmidt can rack up two bases with a couple of singles or an extra-base hit. Against a rookie starter and a thin Pirates bullpen, he’s a good bet to get at least two total bases. His patient approach also means he’ll get pitches to hit once runners get on base.

Dodgers vs Nationals (May vs Gore)

The Los Angeles Dodgers travel to Washington to face the Nationals, and they bring a clear talent advantage. Dustin Maygoes for LA; the hard-throwing righty is back in the rotation after recovering from injury and has electric stuff when healthy. The Dodgers lineup remains one of baseball’s best – Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman lead an offense that is consistently near the top of the league in runs. They should be eager to tee off against Nationals lefty MacKenzie Gore. Gore had a respectable season (around a 3.90 ERA in 2024) and strikes out plenty of batters, but he can be wild and tends to struggle against deep lineups. Washington’s offense is in rebuilding mode, relying on youngsters like CJ Abrams and Keibert Ruiz. The Nats don’t have much power and were among the bottom teams in runs scored last year.

Given the mismatch on paper, Los Angeles is a heavy favorite. The Dodgers’ patient hitters will make Gore work and likely drive up his pitch count by the middle innings. Expect LA to plate runs early and often – they’ve historically handled Washington well, winning most of their meetings in recent seasons. Dustin May, meanwhile, should be able to contain a light-hitting Nationals lineup. Even if May only goes five or six innings as he builds up stamina, the Dodgers’ bullpen is strong enough to hold a lead. Pick: Dodgers -1.5 (Run Line). The run line is appealing because the Dodgers should win by multiple runs here. Their offense can break it open, and Washington’s chances of keeping it within one run are slim if LA plays to form.

Player Prop: Mookie Betts over 1.5 total bases. Betts is an all-around star who can collect bases in many ways – a couple of hits, a double, or even a home run. He has a good track record against left-handed pitching and should benefit from Gore’s tendency to attack with fastballs. With the depth of the Dodgers lineup, Betts will get pitches to hit. Look for him to notch at least two bases in this game, whether it’s two singles or an extra-base knock.

Blue Jays vs Red Sox (Lucas vs Fitts)

An AL East rivalry at Fenway Park should provide fireworks. The Toronto Blue Jays send out Easton Lucas, a left-hander who is relatively new to the rotation. Lucas made a brief appearance late last season and impressed, but he’s still an unproven arm making one of his first big-league starts. The Boston Red Sox counter with rookie Richard Fitts, a right-hander who cracked the rotation this year. With two inexperienced pitchers on the mound, both potent offenses will smell opportunity. Toronto’s lineup (Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and George Springer) is loaded with power and was among the top in team batting average and slugging last year. Boston’s offense, led by Rafael Devers and Masataka Yoshida, can also put up runs, especially at home in hitter-friendly Fenway. Both teams have been scoring well to start the season, and neither Lucas nor Fitts is likely to go deep into the game, putting pressure on middle relievers early.

This game has the makings of a high-scoring affair. Fenway Park’s short dimensions and these lineups’ firepower are a recipe for runs, especially with green pitchers who might miss location. Toronto might have a slight edge in the late innings thanks to a stronger bullpen, and they’re a slight favorite on paper. However, the safer angle is expecting plenty of offense from both sides. Pick: Over 9.5 total runs. We anticipate a slugfest where each team could put up a handful of runs. Both the Blue Jays and Red Sox should reach the scoreboard early; an 7-5 or 6-4 type of game would cash the over. In a matchup of rookie starters and capable bats, the over is our favorite play.

Player Prop: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. over 1.5 total bases. Guerrero Jr. is a threat to do damage every time he’s at the plate. He’s facing a rookie pitcher in Fitts who could leave a mistake over the plate – the kind of mistake Vladito can turn into a double or homer. Vlad Jr. also hits well at Fenway (using the Green Monster to his advantage). Back him to get at least two bases in this matchup, as he’ll be looking to ignite Toronto’s offense and can do so with one swing.

Marlins vs Mets (Bellozo vs Senga)

At Citi Field, the Miami Marlins face the New York Mets in an NL East clash. Miami is giving the start to Luis Bellozo, a young right-hander making an early-career appearance. Bellozo is something of an unknown, likely a rookie or recent call-up, and he’ll have a tough task against a veteran Mets lineup. The New York Mets send out Kodai Senga, their star Japanese import who had an excellent 2024 campaign. Senga features a nasty forkball and racked up strikeouts last year, establishing himself as one of the Mets’ top starters. The Mets offense, featuring Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor, can be streaky but has the capability to explode against inexperienced pitching. On the flip side, the Marlins offense traditionally struggles to score; aside from Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Luis Arraez (the contact machine), Miami doesn’t have much firepower. They were near the bottom of the league in home runs in 2024 and could find it hard to solve Senga.

The Mets have clear advantages on the mound and at the plate. Senga at home is particularly dominant – he was very effective at Citi Field last season, keeping a low ERA there. We expect him to overpower the Marlins lineup, piling up strikeouts and limiting scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, the Mets hitters should capitalize on Bellozo’s inexperience. Miami’s strength is usually pitching, but in this game their young starter and a middle-of-the-pack bullpen might get exposed by New York’s bats. Pick: Mets -1.5 (Run Line). It’s a spot to back the favorite on the run line. The Mets should win by at least two runs given the mismatch in starting pitching. A 5-2 or 6-3 Mets victory sounds very plausible, covering the spread comfortably.

Player Prop: Kodai Senga over 6.5 strikeouts. Senga is a strikeout pitcher facing a Marlins lineup known to swing and miss. He averaged well over a strikeout per inning last season. Look for him to rack up Ks – seven or more is within reach, especially if he can pitch into the sixth or seventh inning. The Marlins’ lack of familiarity with Senga’s forkball can lead to plenty of whiffs. This prop complements our game pick, as a dominant Senga outing should go hand-in-hand with a Mets win.

Twins vs Royals (Woods Richardson vs Lorenzen)

In Kansas City, the Minnesota Twins take on the Royals in what could be a sneaky high-scoring game. The Twins are starting Simeon Woods Richardson, a young right-hander who is still finding his footing in the majors. He has talent but limited experience, and he may go only four or five innings as Minnesota eases him into a starter’s workload. The Royals counter with veteran Michael Lorenzen, whom they signed to add stability to the rotation. Lorenzen is a serviceable innings-eater but not overpowering – last year he had around a league-average ERA and doesn’t rack up many strikeouts. Minnesota’s lineup brings plenty of thump: Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton are the headliners, and the Twins were among the league leaders in home runs in 2024. They can strike quickly, especially against pitchers who don’t miss bats. Kansas City’s lineup is led by budding star Bobby Witt Jr., who does it all with power and speed. The Royals also have some young hitters (like Vinnie Pasquantino and MJ Melendez) capable of contributing. Notably, Kansas City’s pitching staff (both starters and bullpen) struggled last season, ranking near the bottom in ERA, so Minnesota’s hitters will be licking their chops.

Neither Woods Richardson nor Lorenzen is an ace, and both teams have the potential to do damage offensively. The Twins are favored as the better overall team, but Kansas City at home can put up a fight, especially if their bats get to the young Twins starter early. We could see both starters exit by the middle innings, turning this into a battle of bullpens – and both bullpens are average at best. That scenario often leads to runs in bunches. Pick: Over 9.0 runs. Expect a fairly open game with scoring opportunities for both sides. A final score in the range of 6-5 or 7-4 wouldn’t surprise us, which would sail over the total. The combination of a rookie pitcher, a contact-oriented veteran, and two lineups with power and speed makes the over an attractive play.

Player Prop: Byron Buxton to hit a home run (HR prop). This is a bit of a bold prop, but hear us out: Buxton, when healthy, has elite power and loves facing pitchers who don’t have wipeout strikeout stuff. Lorenzen fits that bill, as he tends to pitch to contact. In a hitter’s park like Kauffman Stadium (especially on a warm day), Buxton has a solid chance to drive one out of the park. If you prefer a slightly safer play, consider Buxton over 1.5 total bases, as his combination of power and speed (he could stretch a single into a double) gives him multiple ways to cash that. Either way, Buxton is a key player to watch and a good prop bet candidate against the Royals’ pitching.

Rangers vs Cubs (Eovaldi vs Steele)

One of the marquee pitching duels of the day sees the Texas Rangers visiting the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The Rangers will start Nathan Eovaldi, a battle-tested veteran coming off a strong season (he was instrumental in Texas’s success with a solid ERA and postseason heroics). Eovaldi attacks hitters with an upper-90s fastball and nasty splitter, and he’s tough when he’s on his game. The Cubs counter with Justin Steele, a southpaw who emerged as Chicago’s ace. Steele was excellent last season (he finished with a sub-3.00 ERA in 2024) and is particularly dominant at Wrigley, where the cool April air and occasional wind blowing in can aid pitchers. The Texas Rangers boast a formidable offense – Corey Seager and Marcus Semien lead a lineup that was among the best in baseball in scoring and slugging. However, facing a lefty of Steele’s caliber could quiet the Rangers’ bats a bit; Seager, for instance, has less pop against left-handers (though Semien typically thrives vs lefties). The Cubs lineup, featuring Dansby Swanson, Ian Happ, and some young hitters, is solid but not as fearsome as Texas’s. They’ll have to manufacture runs off Eovaldi through patience and timely hits, as Eovaldi rarely gives up big innings if he has his good command. Neither team’s bullpen was elite last year – the Rangers’ pen was roughly average, and the Cubs had some late-inning issues – so both starters will aim to go deep.

This game projects as a low-scoring, tightly contested affair. Both pitchers have the ability to shut down the opposition, and neither side will want to get into a slugfest given the arms on the mound. It’s also worth noting Wrigley Field in early April often suppresses offense (especially if the wind is blowing in off Lake Michigan). Pick: Under 7.5 runs. In what could be a classic pitchers’ duel, we’re banking on Eovaldi and Steele trading zeros for much of the game. A 3-2 or 4-2 type of final score seems likely, keeping the total runs under the posted line. Even with two above-average offenses, great pitching usually prevails in these conditions. Taking the under is one of the best MLB bets today given the form of these starters.

Player Prop: Marcus Semien over 1.5 total bases. While we expect a low-scoring game overall, if there’s one Rangers hitter who could do damage against Steele, it’s Marcus Semien. He historically hits left-handed pitching well, often for extra bases. Semien could notch a couple of singles or rip a double to reach two total bases. He also has a bit of Wrigley experience from his days in the AL, and his aggressive approach can pay off against Steele’s strikes. In a game where runs are at a premium, Semien’s bat might be the one to spark Texas, making this prop appealing despite the strong opposing pitcher.

Orioles vs Diamondbacks (Eflin vs Gallen)

Out in the desert, the Baltimore Orioles face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a matchup featuring one ace and one solid veteran. Baltimore gives the nod to Zach Eflin, a dependable right-hander the O’s added in the offseason to bolster their rotation. Eflin was very effective with Tampa Bay last year (posting a mid-3’s ERA and excellent control) and will try to carry that over for Baltimore. The Diamondbacks send their ace Zac Gallen to the mound. Gallen is one of the National League’s top pitchers – he’s a workhorse who was among the league leaders in strikeouts and finished high in Cy Young voting in recent seasons. At home in Chase Field, Gallen is typically in command, though he can be susceptible to the long ball on occasion. The Orioles come in with a young, dynamic lineup. Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Cedric Mullins provide a mix of power, patience, and speed. Baltimore was one of the best road teams in 2024, showing they can score in any park. Arizona’s lineup features NL Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll (a speedster with surprising power) alongside veterans like Ketel Marte and Christian Walker. The D-backs offense can be streaky; they manufacture runs with speed and gap hits but also have pop when needed. Baltimore’s bullpen is a strength (they had one of the top bullpen ERAs last year), whereas Arizona’s bullpen has been more middle-of-the-pack.

This game could turn into a tight, tactical contest. Gallen has the edge on the mound; if he’s dealing, even a good Orioles lineup might only scrape together a couple of runs. Eflin, while not overpowering, is savvy enough to keep Arizona’s hitters off balance. Both teams might struggle to put up crooked numbers, and we could see a lot of zeros on the scoreboard through the first half of the game. Given the pitching matchup and the fact that neither offense is a pure juggernaut, runs should come at a premium. Pick: Under 8.0 runs. We’re betting on a pitcher’s duel in the desert. A 3-2 or 4-3 final score fits the profile here, which would stay under the total. Even if one team gets to the opposing starter for a couple runs, the other pitcher can likely counter with shutdown innings. Plus, with Baltimore’s strong bullpen, if they have a lead late or need to keep it close, they can deploy high-quality arms. The under looks like a strong play with Gallen and Eflin on the hill.

Player Prop: Zac Gallen over 7.5 strikeouts. Gallen is a strikeout artist, and when he’s on, he can rack up Ks in bunches. Baltimore’s lineup, while dangerous, does have some free swingers – young hitters like Henderson can strike out against elite pitching. Gallen might go 6-7 innings in this game, which gives him ample opportunity to reach eight strikeouts. He struck out over 200 batters last year, and his swing-and-miss curveball and changeup can fool even good hitters. Backing Gallen’s strikeout total is a nice prop, as he’ll want to dominate this game and give Arizona a chance to win. (For a Baltimore-focused prop, keep an eye on Adley Rutschman over 1.5 total bases – the O’s catcher is a tough out and could snag a couple hits even against Gallen.)

Astros vs Mariners (Wesneski vs Gilbert)

A key AL West showdown has the Houston Astros visiting the Seattle Mariners. Interestingly, Houston is giving Hayden Wesneski the start – the right-hander was acquired to add depth to the rotation (he previously pitched for the Cubs). Wesneski has shown flashes of potential, but with the Astros he’s still proving himself and might profile more as a back-end starter. Seattle counters with Logan Gilbert, a tall righty who has become a stalwart in the Mariners’ rotation. Gilbert is coming off a season where he posted an ERA in the mid-3’s and demonstrated excellent control. He’s not as flashy as some aces, but he consistently gives the Mariners quality innings and keeps them in games. Offensively, the Astros are the reigning AL West champs for a reason – their lineup is stacked with stars. Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker provide left-handed power, José Altuve and Alex Bregman are the veteran catalysts, and overall Houston was top-five in runs scored last year. They do face a challenge in Seattle’s T-Mobile Park, which is more pitcher-friendly and where the Mariners’ pitching staff usually excels. The Mariners’ offense is led by Julio Rodríguez, the electrifying young center fielder who can do it all. Seattle’s lineup around him has some pop (Eugenio Suárez, Cal Raleigh) but can be inconsistent. They were roughly middle-tier in runs in 2024. If there’s an area Seattle might have an advantage, it’s the starting pitching in this particular game, plus the home crowd behind them.

This matchup could be closer than the team names suggest. While Houston is usually favored, the pitching matchup leans toward Seattle with Gilbert on the hill. We anticipate a tight game. The Astros hitters will test Gilbert, but if he can navigate Alvarez and Tucker, he can turn in a quality start. Wesneski is more of a wild card; if he falters, Houston’s bullpen may need to cover early innings, which could tilt things to Seattle. The Mariners also have a strong bullpen, and if they get a lead after six, they can lock it down with their relief arms. Pick: Mariners moneyline. In a bit of a mild upset, we like Seattle to win at home. Gilbert’s stability and the home-field advantage give the Mariners a good shot to squeak out a victory, perhaps 5-4 or 4-3. This qualifies as one of the best MLB bets for those looking for a value pick, as Houston might normally be favored due to their pedigree, but Seattle’s matchup edges (starter and home park) make the M’s a smart choice in this spot.

Player Prop: Julio Rodríguez over 1.5 total bases. Julio is the engine of the Seattle offense and tends to shine in big divisional games. He can reach two total bases in many ways – a double in the gap, a couple of singles (with his speed, an infield hit is always possible), or even a home run. Facing an unestablished pitcher like Wesneski, Rodríguez should get good pitches to hit. We like him to at least grab a double or two singles in this game, cashing the over on total bases. Additionally, don’t be surprised if he swipes a bag; while betting on a stolen base is riskier, Julio’s aggressive play could be a game-changer against an Astros battery that can be run on.

Reds vs Giants (Greene vs Webb)

In San Francisco, we have an intriguing pitching matchup as the Cincinnati Reds take on the Giants. The Reds will feature their young flamethrower Hunter Greene. Greene routinely hits 100+ mph with his fastball and was among the league leaders in strikeout rate last year. However, he’s still learning how to pitch, not just throw – his ERA in 2024 was in the low-4s, partly due to some home run issues. When Greene is on, he’s unhittable; when he’s off, he can give up big hits. Opposing him for the Giants is Logan Webb, the unquestioned ace of San Francisco. Webb is almost the polar opposite of Greene: he relies on sinkers and command, keeping the ball on the ground and inducing weak contact. Webb had a sterling 2024 (around a 3.25 ERA) and is especially tough at Oracle Park, a pitcher-friendly venue where fly balls often die in the deep outfield. The Reds’ lineup is full of young, exciting players like Elly De La Cruz, Jonathan India, and TJ Friedl. Cincinnati’s offense can be explosive (they led the NL in stolen bases and have emerging power), but they also can be shut down by good pitching due to their youth and high strikeout tendencies. The Giants’ lineup doesn’t have the star power, but they’re disciplined and platoon-heavy. They’ll grind out at-bats with guys like Thairo Estrada, Mike Yastrzemski, and Wilmer Flores. Run support was an issue for Webb last season as the Giants’ offense was near the bottom of the league in scoring, but they’ve tried to inject more youth and consistency for 2025.

This game may well hinge on which version of Hunter Greene shows up. If Greene commands his fastball and avoids giving up the long ball, the Reds could keep it very close or even have an edge. However, traveling to the West Coast and pitching in the cool San Francisco air is a new challenge for some of these young Reds. Webb’s consistency is something we trust; he’s likely to deliver 6+ innings of two-run ball or better. Cincinnati’s bullpen can be a weakness, whereas the Giants have a decent array of relievers if it’s a low-scoring game late. Pick: Giants moneyline. We’ll side with the experienced arm and the home team here. Logan Webb has proven he can outduel high-velocity youngsters by inducing grounders and keeping his pitch count low. The Giants should be able to scratch out a few runs off Greene or the Reds’ bullpen, and a final score around 4-3 or 3-2 in favor of San Francisco is our prediction. It might be close, but San Francisco is the safer bet to pull out the win with their ace on the mound.

Player Prop: Hunter Greene over 8.5 strikeouts. Even though we’re picking the Giants to win, that doesn’t mean Greene won’t miss bats along the way. He is one of the most prolific strikeout pitchers in baseball when he’s in rhythm. The Giants’ lineup has a few high strikeout hitters, and Greene’s velocity will be something they don’t see every day. It’s very plausible that Greene racks up 9 or more strikeouts even in 6 innings of work. For instance, he might strike out the side in one inning yet still give up a couple of runs in another inning – that’s the kind of outing he often has. If you’re looking for a Reds-related highlight, Greene’s K total is the way to go. (On the Giants’ side, another interesting prop could be Logan Webb over 18.5 outs recorded, as he frequently pitches into the seventh inning at home. But strikeouts are more flashy, and Greene provides that in spades.)

Padres vs Athletics (King vs Severino)

The late game features the San Diego Padres against the Oakland Athletics in what looks like a lopsided matchup. The Padres are sending Michael King to the mound. King, formerly a Yankees pitcher, joined San Diego and has transitioned from a bullpen role into a starter. He was outstanding in a starting role late last season (with New York) and brings a nasty sinker/slider combination that can keep hitters off balance. King isn’t a household name in the rotation yet, but he has the talent to thrive as a starter and will be facing a very accommodating opponent. The Oakland A’s will start Luis Severino, another former Yankee, who signed with Oakland to rebuild his value. Severino had a rough go last year (his ERA was well above 5.00 in 2024) and struggled with injuries and consistency. While he’s a two-time All-Star in the past, his current form is a question mark. Oakland’s lineup is one of the weakest in MLB on paper – they’re a young squad with a few prospects and journeymen trying to make a mark. The A’s offense ranked at or near the bottom in most categories last season, and unless one of their young hitters like Zack Gelof or Esteury Ruiz has a breakout, runs will be hard to come by. The Padres, conversely, feature a star-studded lineup. Even if Juan Soto is no longer with the team (Padres fans will know if he moved on in the offseason), San Diego still has Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Xander Bogaerts – a trio of All-Star caliber bats. They also have depth with hitters like Jake Cronenworth, Ha-Seong Kim, and others who can contribute. Simply put, the Padres’ offense vastly outclasses the A’s pitching on most nights.

It’s hard to envision the Athletics pulling off an upset here unless King has an unexpectedly poor outing. The Padres should dominate in most facets: better starting pitcher, far superior lineup, and even the bullpen edge (San Diego’s bullpen has been solid, while Oakland’s often gets overworked due to short starts). Look for San Diego to be aggressive at the plate, perhaps jumping on Severino early if his command isn’t sharp. On the mound, Michael King doesn’t need to be spectacular, just efficient. If he throws strikes, Oakland’s lineup is unlikely to punish him much. Pick: Padres -1.5 (Run Line). We feel confident laying the run line with San Diego as they have a great chance to win by multiple runs. This could be something like a 7-3 game if the Padres offense clicks. The talent gap is significant, making the Padres one of the best MLB bets today as a run line play despite being on the road.

Player Prop: Fernando Tatis Jr. over 1.5 total bases. Tatis Jr. has looked more and more comfortable at the plate and remains one of the most dynamic players in the game. Against Severino, who was prone to giving up extra-base hits last year, Tatis could do damage. Whether it’s ripping a double into the gap or even launching a homer, Fernando has the pop to cover this prop in one swing. Even if he doesn’t homer, Tatis might get on base multiple times – he could hit a single and later steal second (which would count as two total bases in many prop calculations). His combination of power and speed makes him a great prop bet in this matchup. If you’re looking for another angle, consider Manny Machado over 1.5 total bases as well – Machado is a very consistent hitter and facing a pitcher like Severino, he’s likely to square up at least one ball hard. But we’ll stick with Tatis as the primary prop pick, expecting him to fill the box score on Monday night.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What are the best MLB bets today (April 7, 2025)?
A: The best MLB bets today are the wagers that offer strong value based on matchups and pitching advantages. In the article above, we highlighted several top picks for April 7, 2025, including favorites like the Dodgers and Padres on the run line, plus smart plays on totals like the under in the Rangers vs. Cubs pitchers’ duel. “Best bets” can vary, but generally we look for games where one team or outcome has a clear edge. For example, a powerhouse team facing a struggling pitcher might be a best bet on the moneyline or run line. Likewise, if two aces are facing off, the under on the run total could be a best bet. It’s important to do your research each day – consider pitching matchups, bullpen quality, injuries, and recent team form. Our MLB predictions for April 7 are designed to pinpoint those edges. Remember, even the MLB best bets aren’t guarantees, but they are our strongest confidence plays for the day’s slate.

Q: What are MLB player props, and which MLB props today should I consider?
A: MLB player props are bets on individual player performances rather than the game outcome. Common baseball props include a hitter to go over/under a certain number of total bases, a player to hit a home run, or a pitcher’s over/under on strikeouts. They can also be things like RBIs, runs scored, or outs recorded by a pitcher. The props we recommended today are examples of compelling bets: for instance, Aaron Judge over 1.5 total bases (expecting multiple hits or a homer), or Kodai Senga over 6.5 strikeouts (betting on a strong pitching performance). When choosing MLB props today, consider the matchup: Is the player facing a weak pitcher or bullpen? Is the player in good form? Also, park factors matter (a hitter in Coors Field has a better chance at extra bases, for example). In our previews, we liked props such as Julio Rodríguez over 1.5 bases since he’s facing an unproven pitcher, and Hunter Greene’s strikeout over because of his elite velocity against a high strikeout opponent. Props can offer great value, but they require focusing on one player’s stats. It’s wise to look at recent trends (has the batter been hitting well this week? Is the pitcher racking up Ks lately?). The MLB props today that we suggest target favorable conditions for the players involved.

Q: Where can I find MLB picks and predictions for each game?
A: You can find MLB picks and predictions through a variety of sources: sports betting websites (like this one), expert handicappers, sports analytics sites, and even community forums. Many sports news outlets and dedicated MLB analysis sites publish daily “MLB picks today” during the season, which include game previews and betting recommendations. When looking for picks, it’s important to consider the credibility of the source and the reasoning behind the predictions. Good MLB picks will be backed by analysis – such as pitching matchups, team stats, and situational trends (home/away performance, day/night splits, etc.). In the article above, we provided a comprehensive set of predictions and picks for every game on April 7, 2025, including reasoning for why we lean one way or the other. This kind of full-context analysis can help you make your own informed decisions. Additionally, some bettors like to compare multiple sources: if several independent experts all point to the same MLB best bet, that might increase your confidence in that pick. Always remember that even expert predictions are educated guesses – surprises happen in sports – so consider the information available, and bet within your means.

Q: What’s the difference between a moneyline, run line, and total in MLB betting?
A: In MLB betting, the moneyline is a straightforward bet on which team will win the game outright. The odds will indicate the favorite (e.g., -150 means you wager $150 to win $100) and the underdog (e.g., +130 means you win $130 on a $100 bet). A run line is baseball’s version of a point spread. It’s almost always set at -1.5 runs for the favorite and +1.5 runs for the underdog (though occasionally you might see alternative lines). If you take a team -1.5, they must win by 2 or more runs for your bet to cash; if you take a team +1.5, they can lose by 1 run or win the game for the bet to cash. Run line bets often have better payout odds on the favorite and give a cushion on the underdog. In our picks above, for example, we took the Yankees -1.5 and Padres -1.5, meaning we expect those teams to win comfortably by 2+ runs. Lastly, the total (also called over/under) is a bet on the combined number of runs scored by both teams. The sportsbook sets a line (say 8.5 runs), and you wager whether the actual total will be over or under that number. We highlighted a few totals, like Under 7.5 in the Rangers-Cubs game (expecting a low-scoring affair) or Over 9.5 in the Blue Jays-Red Sox game (expecting lots of runs). To summarize: moneyline = picking the winner, run line = picking the margin of victory or a close loss, total = picking whether the game is higher or lower scoring than the set number. All three are popular ways to find the best MLB bets depending on the matchup. It often comes down to where you see the biggest edge – one game might have a very clear pitching mismatch (pointing to a moneyline/run line bet), while another might feature two strong offenses (pointing to an over bet).