MLB Opening Day 2025 Betting Odds and Predictions

Baltimore Orioles vs. Toronto Blue Jays: Blue Jays (EVEN)

The Baltimore Orioles hope to slug their way to the top of the American League this season. The door is open in the AL, but do the Orioles have the pitching to compete?

In any event, Opening Day starter Zach Eflin doesn’t evoke the most confidence in me in their first matchup. Ace Grayson Rodriguez will open the season on the injury report, so Eflin is up first for the Orioles.

Eflin hasn’t had the best success against this Blue Jays’ lineup in his career. The Blue Jays are hitting .272 with six home runs and 16 RBIs in 114 at-bats. Additionally, Eflin struggled on the road last season as opposed to at Camden Yards. He posted an ERA of 4.24 in 17 games on the road, but a sub 3.00 ERA in Baltimore.

I have more confidence in Jose Berrios, who is entering his fifth season in Toronto. The pitcher is in sharp form in spring training, as he holds a 2.35 ERA and 1.17 WHIP through four games. Last season, Berrios was solid, with a 3.60 ERA and 1.15 WHIP.

6 IP | 0 ER | SEVEN Ks 🦾

José Berríos has a 2.35 ERA this Spring! pic.twitter.com/q0bVH1eBSM

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) March 16, 2025

I expect Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to be especially motivated today. The star is in a contract year and looking to prove he deserves $600+ million. Also, Anthony Santander will play his former team right out of the gate on Opening Day. Motivation shouldn’t be a problem for the Blue Jays at home in this one.

In other words, I suggest considering adding the Blue Jays to your MLB Opening Day picks!

Boston Red Sox vs. Texas Rangers: Red Sox (-105)

This is one of the best matchups on paper for MLB Opening Day in 2025! The Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers are two clubs that I’ve kept my eyes on in the offseason. With the Yankees dealing with a rash of injuries, the Red Sox or Rangers might be on track to steal the American League.

I really like the Red Sox pitching in this one over the Rangers at Globe Life Field. Boston starter Garrett Crochet is set to take the mound on the road against the Rangers. Crochet is one of the favorites to win the AL Cy Young and currently has the second shortest odds to do so.

Garrett Crochet struck out SEVEN batters across three scoreless innings of work 🐷 #SpringTraining pic.twitter.com/3mh6YkWyjl

— MLB (@MLB) March 5, 2025

I’m confident that the pitcher is going to make a big splash for the Red Sox immediately. Crochet recorded an ERA of 3.58 and 1.07 WHIP last season, and many  believe he’s ready to improve on that number. He was fantastic in spring training this year. The 25-year-old sported a 0.87 ERA and 1.35 WHIP through four appearances.

The Rangers counter with Nathan Eovaldi, a fine pitcher in his own right, but Crochet is in another league. Still, Eovaldi is one of the most consistent pitchers in the Majors. He notched a 3.80 ERA and 1.11 WHIP a season ago but enters this year struggling off a rocky spring training.

Eovaldi boasts an ERA of 7.00 and 1.44 WHIP in nine innings in preseason starts. The Red Sox offense played well this spring, as they rank sixth in home runs in MLB.

Last season, the Red Sox were sixth in batting average, and I foresee the bats getting hotter this year. The addition of Alex Bregman only makes Boston more potent at the plate.

At -105 odds, the Red Sox are one of the best MLB Opening Day bets on Thursday!

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Miami Marlins: Pirates (-160)

The Pittsburgh Pirates are not going to be the most popular bet this season. They are not expected to be a very good team, but this is one of those spots where it’s hard to say no!

One of the few teams worse than the Pirates in MLB has to be the Miami Marlins. The Marlins face an incredibly tough assignment in the batter’s box today. NL Cy Young favorite Paul Skenes will make his highly anticipated first start of 2025 on Opening Day.

Paul Skenes' 7 Strikeouts 🔥 pic.twitter.com/uQrZE3ujtG

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 17, 2025

How will Skenes follow up the magic that he produced as a rookie? In 2024, the rookie dazzled on the mound, as he finished with an ERA of 1.96 and 0.95 WHIP. If Skenes had more starts he would have undoubtedly been in the driver’s seat for the Cy Young.

Look for Skenes to mow down a Marlins squad that ranks in the bottom half of the Majors. Although the Pirates’ offense doesn’t offer much, either, they won’t have to score much with Skenes on the bump. Sandy Alcantara will make his first regular season start since 2023 on Opening Day.

He was strong in spring training, but it’s unlikely to keep pace with Skenes. Look for the Pirates to win a close matchup by a score of 3-2 or 4-2 to open the season in Miami.

Milwaukee Brewers vs. New York Yankees: Yankees (-170)

Injuries are piling up for the Yankees, but they should find enough offense to oust the Brewers. Depth in the rotation is my chief concern due to injuries to Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil.

However, that won’t come into play in the season opener with Carlos Rodon on the bump. Rodon should have a fine performance, while Aaron Judge and the offense pummel Freddy Peralta and the Brewers’ bullpen. The Yankees are the right side for your 2025 MLB Opening Day picks!

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals: Phillies (-170)

Following the Dodgers, the Phillies should be the next best in the National League. They’re one of the only clubs that should give the Dodgers a run for their money. On Opening Day, expect Zack Wheeler to chew up a weak Nationals’ offense.

The @Phillies r̶a̶n̶g̶ answered the bell at Photo Day!

🔔 Kyle Schwarber
🔔 Trea Turner
🔔 Bryce Harper
🔔 Zack Wheeler pic.twitter.com/5tALAiovRp

— MLB (@MLB) February 26, 2025

Wheeler is going to be in the Cy Young discussion again this year and will likely get off to a quick start. The Nationals countering with MacKenzie Gore isn’t nearly enough to hold the Phillies’ bats down.

Look for the Phillies to pull away for a three or four-run win at Nationals Park!

New York Mets vs. Houston Astros: Mets (+105)

In what should be a tight matchup, the New York Mets are the best value as an underdog in Houston. The Mets expect big things from their club after signing Juan Soto in the offseason. It’s one of the most highly anticipated seasons for the franchise in a while.

With Clay Holmes on the bump, expect the Mets to have success at Minute Maid Park. Holmes has flourished in the Mets’ bullpen over the last four years with the Yankees. He’s looked great in spring training, and I believe Holmes comes out in top form here.

The Mets are getting excellent value at +105 on MLB Opening Day!

Atlanta Braves vs. San Diego Padres: Padres (EVEN)

This is another matchup that should be an entertaining affair on Opening Day. The Braves and Padres appear like a toss-up, so siding with the better price is advised here. I have the Braves behind the Phillies and Dodgers this season, with a chance for the Padres to move up.

San Diego has a tough assignment versus Chris Sale, but Michael King was one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball last season. He finished last season with a sub 3.00 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. This is an even matchup, with the Padres getting the nod at +100!

Los Angeles Angels vs. Chicago White Sox: Angels (-150)

While the Angels aren’t my favorite club this season, they should handle the talentless White Sox on Thursday. Chicago are the worst team in the Major Leagues on my list, so I don’t like their chances out of the gate.

Look for Mike Trout to make a splash against an abysmal White Sox pitching staff. Angels’ starter Yusei Kikuchi should do enough to limit the White Sox offense, too. Consider backing the Angels for your MLB Opening Day best bets today!

Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals: Royals (-135)

The Guardians and Royals get the race for the AL Central title started at Kauffman Stadium! Cole Ragans will receive the starting call for the Royals in this matchup. I’m really high on Ragans this season and expect him to flirt for the AL Cy Young.

Cole Ragans is ready for a 200-inning season ✅ pic.twitter.com/RD9DPiJmYa

— Slab Lab (@slablabshow) March 19, 2025

Expect Ragans to get out to a quick start and give Royals fans something to be excited about on Opening Day. The Royals likely emerge with a 4-3 or 5-3 win over Cleveland here.

San Francisco Giants vs. Cincinnati Reds: Giants (+105)

The Giants and Reds should provide an entertaining contest at the Great American Ball Park! Logan Webb and Hunter Greene should result in a solid pitcher’s duel. There isn’t much separating Webb and Greene.

Greene is the younger pitcher with more upside, but Webb is one of the most trustworthy starters in baseball. You pretty well know what you’re going to get from Webb when he steps on the mound. With this in mind, Webb and the Giants are the stronger option at plus odds.

Minnesota Twins vs. St. Louis Cardinals: Cardinals (-105)

The Twins and Cardinals engage in an Opening Day matchup at Busch Stadium. It’s a rock-solid pitching showdown between Pablo Lopez and Sonny Gray. Gray is a different pitcher at home than on the road.

On Opening Day and throughout the season, consider looking at the Cardinals when Gray is on the bump at Busch Stadium. It should be a close contest, but Gray is likely to put the Cardinals in the winner’s circle.

Detroit Tigers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers: Dodgers (-160)

Although Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal is one of the best pitchers in baseball, the Tigers have a difficult assignment at Dodger Stadium. Skubal should hold his own, but the Dodgers will get to the Tigers’ bullpen late in the matchup.

The Dodgers haven’t announced a starter, but they can put any of their five starters on the bump and garner terrific results. The rotation is that deep this season.

In short, the Dodgers are worth a look for your MLB Opening Day betting picks at -160!

Chicago Cubs vs. Arizona Diamondbacks: Cubs (+140)

The Cubs return home after a rough trip in Japan. They were swept by the Dodgers in two games but look for the Cubs to respond positively. Laying -170 on the Diamondbacks isn’t the best option here.

That price is too hefty for me, so all the value is on the Cubs at +140.

Athletics vs. Seattle Mariners: Mariners (-175)

The team without a home, the Athletics, will look to surprise a few people this season. However, it should be more of the same, as ownership is in no hurry to spend money before a potential move to Las Vegas.

Mariners’ Logan Gilbert should get out to a fast start in a favorable matchup against the Athletics. The Mariners are the play at home for a win on the moneyline.