MLB Best Bets Today – Thursday, September 18 2025

By: Dean Whitaker Published 09/18/2025, 09:13 AM ET
Diamondbacks vs Mets prediction
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We hit a bump in the road with an 0-3 night yesterday, but the bigger picture tells the story—we’re still an impressive 11-4 over our last 15 MLB Best Bets. The grind continues, and we’ve lined up three more strong plays for tonight’s slate. With pitching edges, offensive trends, and matchup analysis driving our picks, the focus is on bouncing back and getting right back into the win column. It’s time to reset and cash on the diamond.

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

Mets To Bounce Back With This MLB Best Bet

The Mets are in a strong position to take Thursday’s series finale over the Padres at Citi Field, with the matchup favoring their power bats and home-field edge. Despite Jonah Tong’s rocky 8.49 ERA, New York’s offense has been productive, ranking top 10 in slugging and home runs, and averaging 4.7 runs per game this season. Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Brandon Nimmo all enter with multi-game hit streaks, while Juan Soto continues to anchor the lineup with 40 homers and 98 RBIs.

Randy Vasquez (5–6, 3.72 ERA) has been steady for San Diego, but the Mets have won 56.6% of games as favorites and are 47–39 when favored at -129 or shorter. With Citi Field playing neutral and the Padres struggling to generate consistent offense, expect New York to capitalize early and hold on for a 6–4 win. Check out our Padres vs Mets prediction for more information.

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Best Bet #1

  • Mets -125

Red Sox Have Sights Set On This MLB Best Bet Winner

Boston enters Thursday’s matchup against the Athletics at Fenway Park with a clear edge in both pitching and offensive consistency, making them a strong play to bounce back after Tuesday’s 2–1 loss. Brayan Bello (11–7, 3.25 ERA) gets the start for the Red Sox and has quietly put together 16 quality outings this season, holding opponents to a .237 average while averaging nearly six innings per start. He’ll face J.T. Ginn (3–6, 4.69 ERA), who’s struggled to keep hitters off base and has allowed 117 hits in just 114 innings.

Boston’s lineup, led by Trevor Story (24 HR, 91 RBI) and Jarren Duran (.334 OBP), ranks top 10 in slugging and runs scored, while the Athletics’ bullpen ranks bottom five in save conversion and inherited runner efficiency. With the Red Sox winning 63% of games when favored at -161 or shorter, expect them to control tempo early and close out a 5–3 win.

Best Bet #2

  • Boston -150

Reds Close Out Today's Best Bets With A Big Win

Cincinnati looks poised to edge out the Cubs on Thursday night at Great American Ball Park, with Hunter Greene (6–4, 3.01 ERA) giving them a clear advantage on the mound. Greene has been sharp in September, posting a sub-3.00 ERA and striking out 116 batters in just over 92 innings this season. He’ll face Colin Rea (10–6, 4.23 ERA), who’s been serviceable but vulnerable to power bats—especially against a Reds lineup featuring Elly De La Cruz (19 HR, 82 RBI) and Spencer Steer, who’s batting .353 over his last five games.

Cincinnati has won 52.5% of games when favored at -124 or shorter, and with the Cubs entering as underdogs and struggling to suppress runs late, expect the Reds to capitalize early and hold on for a 5–4 win.

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Best Bet #3

  • Cincinnati -123

Recapping Today's MLB Best Bets

  • NY Mets -125
  • Boston -150
  • Cincinnati -123

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