We’re just over one week away from the conclusion of the 2025 MLB season. With so much still to be decided, this is shaping up to be a dramatic next few days. That means all eyes will be on the big-name pitchers taking the mound. To get in on the action, bettors might want to consider an NRFI bet. Three early outs are all it takes to cash in. Which arms can you trust during today’s loaded 15-game slate?
Ahead of Friday’s MLB contests, here are three NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Yankees vs. Orioles NRFI (-110)
We’ll start off tonight’s list with one of the riskier plays available. The Yankees are an offensive juggernaut, leading all of baseball in runs scored. Still, Aaron Judge and company aren’t immune from a slow start. That’s especially true when the opposing pitcher is one of the American League’s best. Trevor Rogers has enjoyed a breakout 2025 campaign, emerging as the ace of this Orioles pitching staff. Over 100.2 innings, he’s notched a 1.43 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 93 strikeouts. In addition, the southpaw has surrendered a first inning run only once over 16 games (94%). With statistics that good, I’m willing to back Baltimore’s talented hurler.
The Yankees will counter with a promising young arm of their own in Will Warren. The rookie has been far from perfect, but he’s shown enough to retain a spot in New York’s rotation. Through 31 outings this season, the right-hander owns a 4.44 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 160 strikeouts. That includes a 6.1-inning, two-run performance vs. the Orioles on June 22nd. Baltimore has a 73.33% NRFI rate at home, the league’s eighth-highest mark. In comparison, Warren has allowed a first inning run only six different times (81%). Expect the youngster to keep the O’s at bay on Friday.
Red Sox vs. Rays NRFI (-140)
After dropping two of three to the Athletics, it’s panic time in Boston. Fortunately for the Red Sox, Cy Young candidate Garrett Crochet is on the hill tonight. The two-time All-Star has been nearly unhittable in 2025. Just look at these numbers: 2.63 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and a league-leading 240 strikeouts. The dominant lefty will look to continue his success against a middling Rays lineup. When these teams met on July 12th, Crochet tossed a nine-inning shutout. Granted, pitching at hitter-friendly Steinbrenner Field is never easy. Regardless, I’m more than willing to back one of the sport’s best starters.
Boston isn’t the only club with an elite arm on Friday. Drew Rasmussen has a claim as baseball’s most underrated arm. Despite pitching in relative obscurity, the right-hander has emerged as one of the AL’s most dangerous pitchers. Through 144.2 innings, he’s recorded a 2.74 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 122 strikeouts. In addition, the All-Star tends to get off on the right foot. Rasmussen’s first inning ERA sits at a solid 3.41, with a 76% NRFI rate. The Red Sox have scored just 23 runs over their previous seven games. Tampa Bay’s ace will look to continue that offensive futility tonight.
Mariners vs. Astros NRFI (-145)
In a pivotal AL West showdown, Seattle vs. Houston is stocked with marquee pitching matchups. It all gets started tonight, when the Mariners will give the ball to Bryan Woo. The 25-year-old has blossomed into a frontline starter, utilizing excellent command and sneaky-good stuff. Over 29 outings, the All-Star owns a 3.02 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 191 strikeouts. The right-hander has stumbled a bit in the first inning, posting a mediocre 62% NRFI rate. However, Houston’s lineup has accounted for the league’s sixth-highest NRFI rate at home (74.36%).
On the other side, it’ll be Hunter Brown toeing the slab. What a season it’s been for the right-hander, already a menace for American League batters. On the year, he’s posted a 2.27 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 192 strikeouts. If not for Detroit’s Tarik Skubal, there would be a lot more Cy Young buzz for the 27-year-old. Over his previous five meetings with Seattle, Brown has pitched to a minuscule 1.61 ERA. Although the Mariners have improved their offense, it’s still difficult to envision plenty of scoring tonight. Houston’s workhorse is poised for yet another strong start during this must-win matchup.
