The New York Mets host the St. Louis Cardinals for the second game of their series on Friday night at Citi Field. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. ET; the game will be broadcast on SNY and FanDuel Midwest.
Find my Cardinals vs Mets prediction, plus the latest Cardinals vs Mets odds, probable pitchers, viewing information, injury reports and more below.
Cardinals vs Mets Prediction
- Cardinals vs Mets pick:Over 8 (-102 | Play to -110)
My Cardinals vs Mets best bet is Over 8. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live MLB odds page.
St. Louis Cardinals vs New York Mets Odds, Lines
| Cardinals Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -135 | 8.5 +105o / -125u | +160 |
| Mets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +115 | 8.5 +105o / -125u | -190 |
- Cardinals vs Mets Moneyline: Cardinals +160, Mets -190
- Cardinals vs Mets Total: 8.5 (+105o / -125u)
- Cardinals vs Mets Spread: Cardinals +1.5 (-135), Mets -1.5 (+115)
Cardinals vs Mets Projected Starting Pitchers
| RHP Miles Mikolas (STL) | Stat | LHP David Peterson (NYM) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 | W-L | 1-1 |
| 0.4 | fWAR (FanGraphs) | 0.1 |
| 9.00 / 4.12 | ERA /xERA | 2.70 / 4.44 |
| 2.63 / 4.72 | FIP / xFIP | 4.15 / 3.28 |
| 1.62 | WHIP | 1.38 |
| 8.3% | K-BB% | 12.7% |
| 37.8% | GB% | 59.1% |
| 87 | Stuff+ | 89 |
| 111 | Location+ | 91 |
Cardinals vs Mets Preview, Prediction Tonight
Cardinals Betting Preview
It’s been a difficult few years for Miles Mikolas since his All-Star season in 2022. Mikolas has followed that up with two consecutive seasons with an ERA north of 4.75.
Those struggles have continued into 2025, as the right-hander is 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA and 1.62 WHIP. His underlying metrics suggest further struggles may lie ahead for the 36-year-old.
Entering this matchup, Mikolas ranks in the bottom half of the league in expected ERA (xERA), expected batting average (xBA), strikeout rate and barrel rate.
Furthermore, he has struggled mightily against the Mets, posting a 1-4 record with a 7.86 ERA over the past five meetings.
Following Mikolas is a fade-worthy bullpen. This season, the Cardinals’ relief staff ranks in the bottom 10 of the league in both ERA and expected FIP (xFIP).
Mets Betting Preview
Meanwhile, left-hander David Peterson should serve as a good sell-high candidate for the Mets. Despite posting a 2.70 ERA through three starts, Peterson owns a 4.44 xERA.
He also ranks in the bottom third of the league in xBA, average exit velocity, walk rate and hard-hit rate. Regression appears imminent, and it could occur against a dangerous St. Louis lineup.
This season, the Cardinals rank in the top five in the league in runs per game, hits per game, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS.
The good news for Peterson is that he should receive plenty of run support in this matchup.
Through 165 combined career plate appearances against Mikolas, the current New York roster boasts a .274 xBA, .506 expected slugging percentage (xSLG) and .349 expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA).
The Mets beat the Cardinals 7-5 the last time these teams met with Mikolas on the mound.
Cardinals vs Mets Prediction, Over/Under Pick
Both lineups are capable of producing runs. St. Louis has been one of the best offensive teams in baseball this season, while New York has historically dominated Mikolas.
Mikolas has also yet to return to form since that All-Star season in 2022, while Peterson is due for regression. The main concern with taking the over in this spot is the Mets’ bullpen, but that’s offset by the Cardinals’ poor relief pitching.
Finally, the forecast calls for heavy winds blowing out to left-center field during the game.
Pick: Over 8 (-102 | Play to -110)
Moneyline
I lean toward New York, but don't want to back Peterson in a game where he's due for regression against a strong lineup.
Run Line (Spread)
I also like New York to cover, but I am staying away for the same reason listed above.
Over/Under
As mentioned, I'm betting Over 8 at -102.
My Pick: Over 8 (-102)
Cardinals vs Mets Betting Trends
Mets vs Cardinals Viewing Info: Channel, Start Time, Streaming
| Location: | Citi Field in Queens, N.Y. |
| Date: | Friday, April 18 |
| Time: | 7:10 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming Options: | SNY; FanDuel Sports Midwest; MLB.TV |
Cardinals vs Mets Injuries
Cardinals Injuries
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| SS Masyn Winn | Back spasms (10-day IL) |
| C Ivan Herrera | Left knee (10-day IL) |
Mets Injuries
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| OF Jose Siri | Fractured left tibia (10-day IL) |
| C Francisco Alvarez | Fractured left hamate (15-day IL) |
| RHP Frankie Montas | Right lat (15-day IL) |
| 2B Jeff McNeil | Right oblique (10-day IL) |
