The two-game appetizer to start the MLB season was kind to us. We cashed a ticket on the Dodgers First 5 and an Under in the opening game. It always feels good to start 2-0, but we're already focused on the Opening Day card for later this week.
Get a jump start on the MLB card for Thursday by diving into our betting preview, which includes the live odds and some best bets for March 27. Good luck, sports betting family! We are so back!
BAL at TOR - 3:07 PM EDT
I think the Blue Jays will be quite a bit better this season, but I don't see why this line is near a pick'em. Sure, Gunnar Henderson starting the year on IL hurts the Orioles, but this lineup is still loaded with plenty of talent.
Jordan Westburg, Tyler O'Neill, Ryan O'Hearn, Ryan Mountcastle, and Colton Cowser all had expected slugging percentages of over .436 last season. That means it could be a long day at the office for Toronto starter Jose Berrios. The veteran righty is still the ace of the Jays staff, but his stuff isn't nearly as dynamic as it used to be.
Speaking of starting pitchers, I'm actually quite high on Baltimore starter Zac Eflin. His K-rate isn't all that high, but this kid never gives in and doesn't walk many hitters. Even if Eflin doesn't bring his A-game, Balty will have a huge bullpen edge over Toronto in this one. Let's play the O's!
BOS at TEX - 4:05 PM EDT
I love the moves that Boston made this off-season and think they'll be one of the most improved teams in the American League. Acquiring Garrett Crochet gives this starting rotation some much-needed star power. The former White Sox southpaw had an astounding K-rate of 35.1% last season.
I expect a nice bounce back for Texas this year, as they were bitten hard by the injury bug in 2024. I like Nate Eovaldi, but he's getting on up there in years and Crochet gives the BoSox a clear starting pitcher edge. I also give Boston a slight edge in the bullpen department.
I have these two offenses rating out similarly, but I can't wait to see how big of a difference Alex Bregman makes to the heart of Boston's order. Teams will no longer get to pitch around Rafael Devers. Give me Boston at the plus price.
ATL at SD - 4:10 PM EDT
This looks like an awfully cheap price on the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner. A lot of folks are worried about Chris Sale holding up this season, but I'm not too worried. The 35-year-old still has one of the nastiest sliders in the game, so look for him to keep the Padre hitters guessing.
These two bullpens are very good, but I'll give a slight nod to Atlanta in that department. Raisel Iglesias is still a dynamic closer and setup guys like Dylan Lee and Pierce Johnson aren't exactly slouches.
I was shocked at how much Atlanta's lineup regressed last season, but the addition of former Padre Jurickson Profar should help add some stability. Profar joins Marcel Ozuna, Austin Riley, Michael Harris, and Matt Olson to make five Atlanta hitters with an xSLG of .443 or higher. San Diego has just three hitters who fit that bill.