As the crack of the bat echoes across the stadium and the scent of freshly roasted peanuts mingles with anticipation, baseball fans aren’t just cheering for their favorite teams. They’re placing bets – quirky, outrageous, and downright serious wagers that turn America’s pastime into a high-stakes poker night. From predicting game outcomes to analyzing player performances, MLB Opening Day offers a thrilling canvas for bettors. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a rookie stepping up to the plate, the odds and lines are set, and the game is on. So let’s dive into the world of MLB gambling on Opening Day, where every pitch, swing, and stolen base holds the promise of victory or defeat.
Lock of the Day
Baltimore Orioles vs. Los Angeles Angels
The Orioles start the season with a lot of hype with new ownership and one of the youngest teams in baseball. Make no mistake though, the young talents in Baltimore are looking to make a name for themselves this year. Led by former top overall prospects, Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, the Orioles are expected to be a top team in the American League this year. On the flip side, this Angels team comes into the season reeling after losing two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani to the cross town rival Dodgers. Outside of aging superstar Mike Trout, this Angels team lacks high end talent and are expected to be a run of the mill team this year. Look for the O’s to kick this new era off with a dominant home win.
N8’s Pick - BAL -1.5 at +125
Across the Diamond
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. St. Louis Cardinals
The star-studded Dodgers start this season with the major intrigue revolving around free agent signee Shohei Ohtani. Wrapped up in a gambling scandal, it remains to be seen the effect this will have on Ohtani and the Dodgers clubhouse. This Dodgers team on paper is the best in the league but how this team meshes with new signings and with the ongoing scandal is something to keep an eye on as the season progresses. However, on Opening Day taking on a Cardinals team that is reeling with injuries and starting Miles Mikolas who has struggled in Opening Day starts. Expect the Dodgers to impose their will over a shot-handed Cardinals squad.
N8’s Pick - LAD -1.5 at -114 and Mookie Betts under 0.5 strikeouts
Detroit Tigers vs Chicago White Sox
Starting the season off on the road in Chicago, this Detroit Tigers squad is looking to start the season off hot with a win against their division rivals, the White Sox. The Tigers send lefty Tarik Skubal to the bump against a team he has historically owned, sporting a 1.50 ERA against the Sox last year. The White Sox were one of the worst teams in the league last year and without much turnover this year, a similar season is to be expected from the Sox.
N8’s Pick - DET -1.5 at +100
Chicago Cubs vs. Texas Rangers
The reigning World Series champs open the season at home against the Cubs in the most anticipated matchup of Opening Day. The Rangers are chock full of talent including the surprising addition of rookie Wyatt Langford making the Opening Day squad. The Cubs plan to start Justin Steele on the mound to start the year however Steele is coming off of a knee injury in Spring Training and remains to be seen how much stamina he’ll have early on in the year. In what’s expected to be a close, low-scoring game there is value in taking Steele’s under for strikeouts. Expect the Cubs to watch Steele’s pitch count closely and look for a quick hook if he falters.
N8’s Pick - Justin Steele under 4.5 k’s +108
Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
A tale of two opposites, the Diamondbacks are coming off of an improbable run to the World Series ultimately coming up short. They return the core of the team and are banking on the further development of their young stars. The Rockies on the other hand were horrendous last year finishing in the cellar by the end of the season. Outside of some minor moves for pitchers, the Rockies did little to bolster a team which is universally considered to be lacking MLB-level talent. Look for the Diamondbacks to win in a blowout at home tonight.
N8’s Pick - ARI -1.5 at -108
