MLB Best Bets Today – Friday, September 26 2025

By: Dean Whitaker Published 09/26/2025, 12:00 PM ET
Spencer Torkelson looks to lead the Tigers over the Red Sox
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Friday’s MLB card is loaded with betting value, and we’re ready to attack the board. Three matchups stand out above the rest, each supported by sharp pitching breakdowns, offensive trends, and key matchup edges. After a winning Wednesday, momentum is on our side and the mission is clear—keep cashing tickets and keep building profits on the diamond.

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

Best Bet #1 - A Small Dog Gets Us Started

Detroit’s path to an upset tonight at Fenway hinges on Casey Mize’s ability to outduel Boston’s rookie Kyle Harrison. Mize enters with a strong 14-6 record and a 3.91 ERA, and he’ll face a Red Sox lineup that’s potent but banged up, missing key contributors like Triston Casas and Tanner Houck. Despite Detroit’s recent 2-8 skid, Spencer Torkelson has been heating up, and the Tigers’ bullpen has quietly improved its inherited runner efficiency. If Mize can keep the ball in the park and Detroit’s bats capitalize early, the Tigers have a real shot to steal this one and tighten the AL Central race.

Boston’s vulnerability lies in its inconsistent middle relief and Harrison’s tendency to struggle with command in high-leverage spots. Detroit’s lineup, while not explosive, has shown flashes of timely hitting—especially against lefties—and could exploit Harrison’s early-inning nerves. Look for Akil Baddoo and Kerry Carpenter to set the tone with aggressive plate appearances, forcing Boston into its bullpen by the fifth. If Detroit can control tempo and avoid defensive miscues, they’re well-positioned to grind out a win and flip momentum heading into the weekend.

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Best Bet #1

  • Detroit +110

Best Bet #2 - Houston's Playoff Urgency Will Fuel Them

Houston enters the final series of the regular season with everything on the line and no margin for error. Jason Alexander gets the start, and while he’s not a power arm, his groundball-heavy approach could be just what the Astros need against an Angels lineup that’s missing Mike Trout and struggling to generate consistent offense. Houston’s defense has tightened up, and their bullpen remains one of the most efficient in the AL—key assets in a must-win scenario. With the Wild Card race still within reach, this opener is a tone-setter the Astros simply can’t afford to drop.

Kyle Hendricks takes the mound for the Angels, and while he brings veteran poise, his recent outings have been marred by late-inning fade and trouble with right-handed contact hitters. Houston’s lineup, though missing Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker, still features a scrappy mix of situational bats—Mauricio Dubón, Chas McCormick, and Jeremy Peña among them—who can manufacture runs and pressure Hendricks early. If Alexander can keep the game close through five and Houston capitalizes on scoring chances, they’re well-positioned to grind out a win and keep their postseason hopes alive heading into the weekend.

Best Bet #2

  • Houston -140

Best Bet #3 - A Slugfest In The City Of Brotherly Love

Tonight’s matchup between the Twins and Phillies at Citizens Bank Park sets up well for an Over 8 outcome, thanks to a volatile pitching duel and power-heavy lineups. Aaron Nola starts for Philadelphia, and while he brings veteran experience, his 6.46 ERA and .281 opponent batting average suggest he’s been vulnerable all season. Minnesota counters with Joe Ryan, who’s been more stable with a 3.47 ERA, but he’ll face a Phillies offense that ranks top-10 in home runs and top-five in slugging percentage. With both teams posting identical .231 batting averages over their last 10 games and middling bullpen reliability, expect scoring chances to pile up quickly if either starter falters early.

Philadelphia’s power bats—led by Kyle Schwarber’s 56 homers and Bryce Harper’s steady production—are capable of flipping the scoreboard in a hurry. Minnesota, while less explosive, still brings pop from Byron Buxton and Brooks Lee, and they’ve quietly hit 187 home runs this season. Both teams have seen the over hit frequently in recent games, and with postseason intensity for the Phillies and pride on the line for the Twins, this one could turn into a slugfest by the middle innings. Look for a 6–4 or 5–5 type game that pushes past the total before the bullpens even settle in.

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  • Minnesota/Philadelphia Over 8

Recapping Today's MLB Best Bets

  • Detroit +110
  • Houston -140
  • Minnesota/Philadelphia Over 8

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