Today's MLB Best Bets: Picks, Predictions and Odds (Thursday 07/16 Baseball Slate)

As the Blue Jays gear up to host the White Sox, there’s a palpable buzz in the air surrounding Toronto’s recent form. Riding a four-game winning streak, the Jays have found their groove at the plate, ranking in the top five for runs scored over the last month. With power hitters like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette swinging hot bats, they can capitalize on any pitching missteps. On the mound, Toronto’s starter has been nearly untouchable at home, boasting a sub-3.00 ERA and a strikeout rate that’s kept opposing hitters guessing. Meanwhile, the White Sox have struggled on the road, particularly against right-handed pitchers, where their lineup has often faltered. Given the Jays’ strong home record and the momentum they’re carrying into this matchup, backing Toronto on the moneyline feels like a savvy play. Look for them to extend their winning streak and take care of business against Chicago.

Cleveland Guardians vs Pittsburgh Pirates : Cleveland Guardians Win (-123)

As the Guardians welcome the Pirates to Progressive Field, there's a palpable edge that leans heavily in favor of the home team. Cleveland has been on a roll lately, showcasing a powerful lineup that’s averaging over five runs per game in their last ten outings. Meanwhile, the Pirates have struggled to find their rhythm, particularly against right-handed pitchers, which bodes well for Guardians' starter, who’s boasting an impressive ERA around 3.20 this season. The Guardians' recent form has seen them string together a series of wins, and their home record is solid, making them a tough opponent in front of the home crowd. With the Pirates losing steam in their away games and facing a challenging matchup, it’s hard to see them pulling off an upset. Given these trends, backing Cleveland on the moneyline feels like the right call for this Friday showdown.

Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets : New York Mets +1 (-141)

As the New York Mets roll into Philadelphia, there's a palpable buzz surrounding their chances on the run line. The Mets have been riding a wave of momentum, winning five of their last six games, which speaks volumes about their current form. Their offense has come alive, boasting a robust .275 batting average over the past two weeks, while their pitching staff has tightened up, allowing just 3.5 runs per game during that stretch. On the flip side, the Phillies have struggled to contain opposing bats, particularly against lefties, where they’ve been vulnerable. With the Mets likely sending a solid lefty to the mound, expect to see them exploit that weakness. Given the Mets’ recent surge and the Phillies' inconsistency, betting on New York to cover the run line feels like the smart play here. They have the momentum, the hitting, and a favorable matchup – it’s a perfect storm for Mets' backers.

Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets : Over 0.5 totals_1st_1_innings (-135)

As the Phillies and Mets square off on July 16, expect the scoreboard to light up early and often. Both teams have been swinging the bats well lately, with the Phillies boasting a robust .275 batting average over their last ten games, while the Mets aren't far behind at .270. The offensive firepower is complemented by a tendency for both clubs to capitalize on pitching struggles—especially since the Mets' starter has been prone to giving up runs, allowing an average of four earned runs per game in recent outings. Moreover, the Phillies' lineup has a knack for jumping on pitchers from the get-go, evidenced by their aggressive approach early in games. With both teams looking to gain ground in this tight NL East race, expect a competitive atmosphere that lends itself to scoring. Given these trends, betting on the total runs to exceed 0.5 seems not just reasonable but likely.

Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets : New York Mets +1.5 (-185)

As the Phillies gear up to face off against the Mets, the matchup has all the makings of a thrilling tilt, but it’s the Mets who seem poised to cover the run line. New York's offense has been red-hot lately, averaging over five runs per game in their last stretch, highlighting a lineup that thrives on exploiting pitchers' weaknesses. Meanwhile, Philadelphia's bullpen has shown vulnerability, particularly in high-leverage situations, which could spell disaster against a Mets team that knows how to capitalize. On the mound, the Mets’ starter has been exceptionally consistent, boasting a solid strikeout rate while limiting hard contact. This contrasts sharply with the Phillies, who have struggled against left-handed pitching. Given the recent trends and the Mets' ability to score, not to mention their recent dominance in this rivalry, taking New York on the run line feels like a savvy play. Expect the Mets to not just win, but to do so decisively.