We’re less than 48 hours into the start of the 2025 MLB season. Only seven teams remain undefeated…which sounds about right. Baseball, the world’s most unpredictable sport, tends to even out over 162 games. Still, on a daily basis, anything can happen. All 30 clubs will take the field on Saturday, so fans should expect the unexpected.
Before the start of today’s action, here are three MLB bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 (+102)
The future appears to be bright in Washington. A lineup stocked with young talent was boosted by the offseason addition of former Silver Slugger Nathaniel Lowe. In the bullpen, Kyle Finnegan remains one of baseball’s more underrated closers.
If there’s one weakness for the Nationals, it would be their pitching depth. Other than the talented, but erratic, Mackenzie Gore, nobody on this roster profiles as a future ace. Saturday’s starter, Jake Irvin, has had difficulty in this spot before. Over five career outings vs. the Phillies, he’s recorded a 5.93 ERA.
For Philadelphia, Jesus Luzardo will get the nod. As a member of the Marlins for most of his career, the right-hander has familiarity with the Nats. In each of his last four starts vs. Washington, Luzardo has allowed two runs or less. That level of success, combined with a top-five offense, makes it difficult to fade the visitors in this one. Expect another Phillies win over their rebuilding NL East rivals.
Cleveland Guardians ML (+108)
A Cleveland team that lost plenty of talent this winter started 2025 off right, defeating the Royals 7-4. However, the Guardians enter the second leg of this series as underdogs. Starter Gavin Williams was shaky last season, pitching to a 4.86 ERA over 76 injury-plagued innings. For the home team, Seth Lugo will look to build on his All-Star campaign with another dominant outing. Over 33 starts and 206.2 innings, the right-hander pitched to a 3.00 ERA.
On paper, this looks like a lopsided pitching matchup. However, a terrific spring from Williams has Guardians fans optimistic. The 25-year-old, a former top prospect, has pitched to a 1.88 ERA over five career outings vs. the Royals. Cleveland might not be as good as it was last season, but I’d still favor its hitting and bullpen over Kansas City. Back-to-back road wins for the reigning AL Central champs? It’s certainly feasible.
Houston Astros -1.5 (+160)
In a weekend filled with marquee matchups, Mets-Astros has been appointment viewing. The two World Series contenders have traded 3-1 victories, making Saturday’s showdown the rubber game in their three-game set. However, the names taking the mound tonight aren’t the most exciting. For New York, former Angels starter Griffin Canning will toe the slab. The 28-year-old failed to deliver on his potential in Los Angeles, recording a 4.78 ERA over five seasons. He’s struggled mightily in this spot before, surrendering 29 runs over 39 innings (6.69 ERA) vs. Houston.
The ‘Stros will send out Spencer Arrighetti, who looked much better to end last season. In six of his final nine starts, the right-hander threw at least six innings and allowed two runs or less. He’ll look to carry over that success against a Mets lineup that has started the season out cold. Through two games, Juan Soto, Brandon Nimmo and Luis Torrens are the only New York players with multiple hits. Houston, at home against a pitcher they dominate, should earn a comfortable win.
