The 2025 MLB season is here. It kicked off with the Cubs and Dodgers playing in Japan. The Dodgers won both games. But Thursday is the real Opening Day for most teams. We’ve got 14 games to enjoy. Betting on baseball isn’t easy.
It’s trickier now because we don’t have much info yet. If you’re new, take it slow. I’ve been at this a while, so I’m jumping in. Here are my three favorite bets for Opening Day. I’ll also toss in some extra thoughts.
Paul Skenes Over 6.5 Strikeouts (-160)
Paul Skenes is pitching for the Pirates against the Marlins. The Marlins aren’t great. Skenes is awesome. Last year, he started 23 games. He got seven or more strikeouts in 16 of them. Four times, he got six.
Once against the Marlins, he got nine in six innings. They don’t really know him yet. That’s a big edge for him. Christian Yelich, a good player, told me last year Skenes is smart. He throws fast—up to 100—but mixes it up.
This spring, he threw 85 pitches in practice. He’s good to go. I think he’ll get at least seven strikeouts.
Red Sox at Rangers Over 7.5 Runs (-115)
The Red Sox and Rangers are playing. This bet wins if they score eight runs together. A 5-3 or 6-2 game works. It doesn’t have to be wild. Both teams can hit. The Rangers struggled last year, but they’ll bounce back. Guys like Marcus Semien and Wyatt Langford should step up. The Red Sox have power too.
Jarren Duran and Rafael Devers are solid. Trevor Story and Triston Casas might play all year. Alex Bregman’s there now too. Garrett Crochet pitches for Boston. He’s good, but the Rangers got hits off him before. Nathan Eovaldi’s on for Texas.
The Red Sox once scored five runs against him. I see runs coming.
Phillies -1.5 (+105)
The Phillies take on the Nationals. This bet means they win by two or more—like 4-2 or 5-3. The Nationals aren’t bad. They might annoy some teams. But the Phillies are way better. Zack Wheeler’s pitching. He’s one of the top guys out there.
Last year, he got 11 strikeouts against the Nationals. MacKenzie Gore’s pitching for the Nationals. He’s had good days, but the Phillies smashed him once. The Phillies hit better. Their bullpen’s tough too. I think they’ll win by at least two.
A few more games caught my eye. In LA, Blake Snell and Tarik Skubal could rack up strikeouts. The Reds are home, and Opening Day’s big there.
They might get four runs off Logan Webb. The White Sox could surprise the Angels. Just some ideas to chew on.
