MLB Picks & Predictions

Our MLB picks come from the experienced team at the ExpertPicks desk.

Baseball starts with the pitching. We look at the two starters, how deep each bullpen is and how rested it is, the lineups, the ballpark and the weather. Baseball is a long season with a lot of close games, so we care more about the price than about winning streaks. A team that wins 55% of the time can still be a bad bet if the price assumes 65%.

Lineups are often posted only a few hours before first pitch. If a starter is scratched after we post, check the bet again before you place it.

Moneyline - Pick the winner. This is the main baseball bet, because games are often decided by a run or two.

Run line - Baseball's spread, almost always 1.5 runs. The favorite at -1.5 must win by 2 or more. The underdog at +1.5 can lose by 1 and still cover.

Total - Bet on whether the combined runs go over or under the line, for example 8.5.

First five innings - A moneyline, run line or total that covers only the first five innings. That takes the bullpens out of it, so it's mostly about the starting pitchers.

Player props - Strikeouts for a pitcher, and hits, total bases or home runs for a batter.

Listed pitchers. Many sportsbooks let you bet "listed pitchers" (the bet is void if either starter changes) or "action" (the bet stands whatever happens). Check which one you're placing. For more, read our full guide: How to Bet on MLB.