Free MLB Picks Today – MLB Best Bets For Friday, September 19 2025

By: Dean Whitaker Published 09/19/2025, 12:53 PM ET
garrett Chrochet looks to led the Red Sox over the Rays
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We are heating up with a perfect 3-0 sweep last night, pushing us to 5-1 over the last two days. The momentum is rolling into Friday’s MLB slate. Today’s card is loaded with value, and we’ve locked in three plays that stand out. Backed by pitching matchups, offensive trends, and sharp analysis, these best bets are built to keep the profits flowing. It’s time to ride the streak and keep cashing on the diamond.

Below, let's take a look at some of my favorite MLB picks for today, in best bets form.

Reds To Begin Our MLB Best Bets With A Big Win

The Reds are primed to take tonight’s matchup over the Cubs at Great American Ball Park, riding the momentum of Hunter Greene’s one-hit shutout in Thursday’s opener. Cincinnati sends Nick Lodolo (8–8, 3.30 ERA) to the mound, who’s been solid at home and owns a 2.13 ERA across three starts against Chicago this season.

The Reds have won five of Lodolo’s last six home outings and are just two games out of the final NL Wild Card spot, making this a must-win scenario. Offensively, Elly De La Cruz (19 HR, 82 RBI) and Spencer Steer (.240 AVG, 18 HR) give Cincinnati enough firepower to challenge Cubs starter Shota Imanaga (9–7, 3.29 ERA), who’s been steady but vulnerable to left-handed bats. With playoff urgency and home-field advantage, expect the Reds to edge out a 5–4 win.

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Best Bet#1

  • Cincinnati -107

An MLB Totals Best Bet In The Sunshine State

Tonight’s Red Sox-Rays matchup at George M. Steinbrenner Field sets up as a pitcher’s duel, making the Under 7 a strong lean. Boston sends out Garrett Crochet (16–5, 2.63 ERA), who’s been dominant all season and held the Rays to just three hits over nine shutout innings in their last meeting. Tampa counters with Drew Rasmussen (10–5, 2.74 ERA), who’s posted a 3.58 ERA over his last four starts and owns a 0.99 WHIP on the season.

Both teams have been trending toward the under—Boston is 6-2-1 to the under in its last nine games, while Tampa has hit the under in three of its last four. With two top-tier starters, modest offensive splits, and playoff-style intensity, expect a tight, low-scoring battle that finishes in the 3–2 or 4–2 range.

Best Bet #2

  • Boston/ Tampa Bay Under 7

A High-Scoring Contest Out West Rounds Out Today's Best Bets

Tonight’s Giants-Dodgers matchup at Dodger Stadium sets up well for a high-scoring affair, making the Over 8.5 a strong play. San Francisco sends out Robbie Ray (11–7, 3.50 ERA), who’s been shaky lately with a 7.83 ERA over his last five starts, while the Dodgers counter with Clayton Kershaw (10–2, 3.53 ERA), who’s allowed 16 earned runs over his last seven outings.

Both lineups are capable of punishing mistakes—especially with Shohei Ohtani (.344 AVG in September, 51 HR) and Mookie Betts (19 RBI this month) heating up for L.A.. The Dodgers have averaged 6.1 runs per game over their last 10 and hit the over in five of those contests, while the Giants have gone over the total in 39 of their 78 road games this season. With warm weather, power bats, and two starters trending downward, expect fireworks and a final score in the 6–4 or 7–5 range.

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Best Bet#3

  • Giants/ Dodgers Over 8.5

Recapping today's MLB Best Bets

  • Cincinnati -107
  • Boston/ Tampa Bay Under 7
  • Giants/ Dodgers Over 8.5
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