Both the Blue Jays and Twins have had an up-and-down start to the 2025 MLB season. However, these squads now find themselves in firm contention for a wild card spot in the wide-open American League. Toronto enters tonight’s contest on a hot streak, having won eight of its last ten games. However, the Jays will need to score some runs against Minnesota’s Bailey Ober, one of the sport’s top arms. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Friday night’s showdown between the Blue Jays and Twins.
Minnesota enters tonight as favorites (-142) over Toronto, with the over/under set at 8.5 runs. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook going into Friday’s contest.
Blue Jays at Twins prediction, preview
As previously mentioned, Bailey Ober is no slouch on the mound. Through 62.0 innings of work, the big righty has posted a 3.48 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 50 strikeouts. Those numbers are nothing new for the 29-year-old; since 2022, he’s notched a 3.63 ERA over 80 total appearances. Right now, it’s fair to call Ober one of baseball’s most underrated pitchers. He’ll hope to continue his success against a middling Blue Jays lineup tonight. This season, Toronto has averaged the 15th-most runs per game (4.23).
While Toronto hasn’t been an offensive juggernaut, the bats have woken up recently. Since May 20th, the Blue Jays are slashing a phenomenal .267/.350/.442 at the plate. That includes an impressive series win over the Phillies earlier this week. Superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (130 wRC+) has been joined by several quality hitters, including George Springer (137 wRC+) and Bo Bichette (117 wRC+).
Tonight, the Blue Jays won’t hand the ball to one of their more experienced arms. Instead, it’ll be rookie Paxton Schultz toeing the slab. This season, the right-hander has delivered a 1.84 ERA and 20 strikeouts over 14.2 innings. However, he’s started just once over his six appearances this season, serving as an ‘opener’. Fortunately for Toronto, the team has the eighth-lowest bullpen ERA in baseball (3.33). Those relievers will need to be at their best tonight against a dangerous Twins lineup. However, Minnesota has only hit .229 at the plate since May 20th.
Blue Jays at Twins pick, best bet
Right now, the Blue Jays are clearly the hotter team. In comparison, the Twins have dropped six of their last 12 contests. However, Minnesota has a decisive edge on the mound. Over his last four games vs. Toronto, Ober has recorded an ERA of 1.59. Starting pitching isn’t everything, but it’s certainly a decisive edge in favor of the home team tonight. Keeping that in mind, it’s difficult to fade the Twins on Friday.
Best Bet: Twins ML (-142)
Even though the Jays have been blistering hot, this is no easy matchup. Ober and this Minnesota squad have what it takes to deliver a series-opening victory tonight.
