There are 13 games, including a doubleheader, on the MLB schedule for Monday, August 18.
Our systems and MLB betting experts have scoured the latest MLB odds and identified the best picks and betting value on the board today. We have MLB player prop picks, moneyline predictions and over/under plays, so continue reading for today's MLB best bets.
MLB Best Bets Today
The team logos in the table below represent each of the matchups that our MLB betting staff is targeting from today's slate of games. Click on the team logos for any of the matchups below to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 2:20 p.m. | |
  | 6:40 p.m. | |
| 6:40 p.m. | |
  | 7:10 p.m. | |
  | 9:38 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our MLB Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Chilly Bets' Brewers vs Cubs Parlay
By Chilly Bets
Freddy Peralta has been pretty solid this season, posting a 14-5 record with a 2.90 ERA. His outs total has been somewhat inconsistent, but today looks like a prime spot for him to work deep.
I'm also backing the Cubs to grab a win in today’s midday Monday matchup. Milwaukee’s long winning streak was snapped yesterday, and this feels like a good opportunity for Chicago to take advantage.
Pick: Freddy Peralta Over 17.5 Outs, Cubs Moneyline (+257)
| | | | |
Sean Zerillo's Astros vs Tigers Best Bet: Back Houston as a 'Dog
By Sean Zerillo
Jack Flaherty (4.14 xERA) remains a fade target, and you can live bet against him if he faces Houston's lineup a third time. When he's facing a hitter for the first time, he allows a .661 OPS, that number jumps to .701 in a second plate appearance and skyrockets to a .880 OPS against in his third trip through the order.
Meanwhile, Spencer Arrighetti's pitch modeling looks fine post thumb injury. His command is down (93 Location+ vs. 98 career), but his stuff is intact (101 Stuff+, 3.80 botERA).
Both offenses are struggling as they rank 22nd (Houston) and 24th (Detroit) in wRC+ over the past 30 days, and I prefer Houston's bullpen, even without Josh Hader, to Detroit's. I also prefer Houston defensively and project the Astros at +107 in this matchup.
With Houston priced at +135, I'm showing a 5.8% edge. I'd bet the Astros to +116.
