Free MLB Picks Today – MLB Best Bets For Tuesday, September 16 2025

By: Dean Whitaker Published 09/16/2025, 01:30 PM ET
Dansby Swanson looks to lead the Cubs over the Pirates
Use Code SSWC

We closed out Sunday with a solid 2-1 showing, and now all eyes are on Tuesday’s MLB slate. Today’s board is loaded with value, and we’ve zeroed in on three matchups that stand out. With pitching dynamics, lineup momentum, and key situational angles driving the analysis, these best bets are built to keep the profits coming. It’s time to carry that momentum forward and cash in again on the diamond.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates

Chicago offers sharp value as a +110 underdog tonight against Pittsburgh, with Cade Horton on the mound and riding a dominant post–All-Star stretch where he’s posted a 0.84 ERA across his last 10 starts. Horton has allowed just 28 hits over 53.1 innings in that span and already held the Pirates to three hits in 5.2 innings earlier this season. Pittsburgh counters with Paul Skenes, who owns a stellar 1.92 ERA but has been plagued by poor run support and faces a Cubs offense that ranks top-10 in runs, slugging, and home runs. Nico Hoerner enters with a 10-game hitting streak and Pete Crow-Armstrong leads the team with 29 homers, giving Chicago the offensive edge against a Pirates lineup that ranks dead last in scoring and slugging. With playoff urgency and elite pitching form, the Cubs are a live dog with strong upside in this NL Central tilt.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

San Diego Padres vs New York Mets

Tonight’s Padres–Mets matchup at Citi Field sets up as a classic pitcher’s duel, making Under 8 a sharp play backed by form, splits, and recent head-to-head trends. Michael King takes the mound for San Diego with a 2.87 ERA and has held opponents to two or fewer runs in five of his last six starts, while Clay Holmes counters for New York with a 3.75 ERA and a .249 opponent batting average. Both lineups are dealing with inconsistency—San Diego missing Xander Bogaerts and possibly Luis Arraez, while the Mets have dropped 8 of their last 9 and are hitting just .211 over their last five games. The Padres bullpen ranks among the NL’s most reliable, and totals betting is leaning heavily toward the Under, with 60% of action expecting a low-scoring affair. With playoff tension tightening every pitch and both starters capable of working deep, this one profiles as a grind-it-out contest unlikely to crack eight runs.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Seattle Mariners vs Kansas City Royals

Seattle enters tonight’s matchup against Kansas City with momentum and a clear edge on the mound, making them a sharp pick to win outright. Logan Gilbert gets the start for the Mariners, bringing a 3.54 ERA and a .209 opponent batting average into a game where he’s already held the Royals to a .188 clip in prior outings. Seattle’s lineup is surging—Cal Raleigh leads MLB with 54 home runs, Julio Rodríguez is batting .400 over his last five games, and Jorge Polanco has racked up 11 doubles and nine RBIs in that same span. The Mariners have won nine of their last ten, outscoring opponents by 40 runs during that stretch, while Kansas City has dropped six of ten and is missing key arms like Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans. With playoff urgency and a top-tier power offense, Seattle is well-positioned to take control early and extend its AL West lead with a road win.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

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

The Picks Are In:

  • Chicago +110 over Pittsburgh
  • San Diego/ NY Mets Under 8
  • Seattle -132 over Kansas City
>

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.