Free MLB Picks Today – MLB Best Bets For Friday, September 26 2025

By: Dean Whitaker Published 09/26/2025, 12:05 PM ET
Bryce Harper Looks to lead the Phillies over the Twins
Use Code SSWC

Friday’s MLB board is loaded with opportunity, and we’re locked in on three key matchups. After a tough Wednesday, it’s bounce-back time with plays built on pitching breakdowns, lineup performance, and recent trends. The goal is simple—seize the value on the board and turn sharp analysis into winning results.

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

Best Bet #1 - Philly Gets Us Started For Tonight

Philadelphia enters tonight’s matchup against Minnesota with the luxury of a locked-in playoff spot but no intention of easing off the gas. Aaron Nola gets the start, and while his season has been uneven, he’s still capable of commanding a Twins lineup that’s been inconsistent on the road. With Citizens Bank Park playing hitter-friendly and Nola backed by a rested bullpen, the Phillies are well-positioned to control tempo early. Joe Ryan counters for Minnesota, and while his strikeout numbers are solid, he’s been prone to giving up the long ball—especially to left-handed power.

Offensively, the Phillies remain dangerous even without the pressure of a playoff chase. Bryce Harper’s plate discipline and Kyle Schwarber’s home run threat give Philadelphia a clear edge against Ryan’s fastball-heavy approach. Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott add contact depth, and if the Phils can capitalize on early scoring chances, they’ll force Minnesota into its middle relief—a unit that’s struggled to hold leads late. With momentum and home-field energy on their side, Philadelphia should be able to close out a high-scoring win and sharpen their edge heading into October.

Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers

Subscribe Now

I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. I have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. I consent that StatSalt may use third-party services to process my data.

Best Bet#1

  • Philadelphia -150

Best Bet #2 - Mets Keep Playoff Hopes Alive With A Big Win

With Brandon Sproat on the mound and postseason survival at stake, the Mets enter tonight’s opener against Miami with full throttle intensity. Sproat, making just his fourth big-league start, has shown flashes of promise with a 3.94 ERA and a .228 opponent batting average, but he’ll need to stay composed against a Marlins lineup that’s been swinging hot—especially Eric Wagaman and Xavier Edwards, who’ve combined for 30 hits over their last 10 games. The Mets’ bullpen has been leaned on heavily, but with high-leverage arms rested and ready, manager Carlos Mendoza should have a short leash if Sproat stumbles early.

Sandy Alcantara gets the ball for Miami, and while his pedigree is elite, his 5.48 ERA and declining strikeout rate suggest he’s not the same ace who won the Cy Young. New York’s offense, powered by Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, and Juan Soto, has been surging—ranking top five in home runs and slugging percentage. With the season series tied 5–5 and the Mets clinging to Wild Card hopes, expect a focused, aggressive approach at the plate and a playoff-caliber urgency on the mound. If they can jump Alcantara early and protect a lead, the Mets are well-positioned to take control of the series and keep their October dreams alive.

Best Bet #2

  • NY Mets -137

Best Bet #3 - We Finish Up With A Pitcher's Duel In Milwaukee

Tonight’s Reds-Brewers matchup at American Family Field sets up well for a low-scoring affair, with the total sitting at 8 and two capable starters on the mound. Quinn Priester (13-2, 3.25 ERA) has quietly anchored Milwaukee’s rotation, holding opponents to a .238 batting average and allowing just three earned runs across 10.1 innings in two prior outings against Cincinnati. His ability to work deep into games and limit hard contact—especially at home—gives the Brewers a strong foundation to suppress run production early. On the other side, Zack Littell (10-8, 3.86 ERA) has been steady, and while his FIP suggests some regression, he’s backed by a Reds bullpen that ranks top 10 in holds and has converted 63% of save opportunities.

Both offenses have cooled heading into this series. Cincinnati is batting just .235 over its last 10 games, while Milwaukee is hitting .247 with a modest .358 slugging percentage during the same stretch. The Reds have leaned on timely pitching to go 7-3 in that span, and their defense ranks fourth in MLB in converting balls in play into outs. With playoff positioning already secured for Milwaukee and Cincinnati clinging to faint hopes, expect a tight, strategic game where runs are earned—not given. A 4–2 or 3–3 type outcome feels likely, keeping this one comfortably under the number.

Never Tried Picks and Parlays? Now Is Your Chance

  • Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code BUCK
  • If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
  • If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
  • Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.
BetMGM Sport

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus
Signup Promo Recommended BetMGM Sport Review
Min. Deposit $5
Cashable No
FanDuel Sportsbook

New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days

Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus
Signup Promo Hot Offer FanDuel Sportsbook Review
Requirement New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days. (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens)
Cashable No
Fanatics

10 x $100 bet match in FanCash

Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus
Signup Promo Hot Offer Fanatics Review
Cashable No

Best Bet#3

  • Cincinnati/Milwaukee Under 8

Recapping today's MLB Best Bets

  • Philadelphia -150
  • New York Mets -137
  • Cincinnati/Milwaukee Under 8
>

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN). 21+ (18+ WY). AZ/CO/IL/IN/IA/MI/NJ/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Eligibility restrictions apply. T&C's Apply. Void where prohibited. If you click on a link on this site which takes you to a bookmaker or casino and you subsequently open an account, Pick and Parlays may receive a commission. Bets placed are the responsibility of the bettor.

Copyright © 2026 Picks and Parlays. All rights reserved.

The sports news and information contained at this site is for entertainment purposes only. Any use of this information in violation of laws whether they are federal, state and/or local is prohibited. Picks and Parlays is the nation's premier resource for sports betting and handicapping information.

Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Special Offer
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Play now Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.