MLB Opening Day 2025: Full Game Previews, Predictions, and Betting Analysis
The 2025 MLB season begins with a stacked Opening Day slate featuring elite pitching matchups, star power, and betting intrigue. RJ Bell’s Dream Preview podcast, hosted by Munaf Manji and Griffin Warner, delivers a comprehensive, game-by-game analysis. Here's your in-depth guide to every matchup, with insights rooted entirely in the episode's transcript.
Brewers vs. Yankees – 3:05 PM ET
Line: Yankees -144 | Brewers +132 | Total: 8
Pitchers: Freddy Peralta (MIL) vs. Carlos Rodon (NYY)
The Yankees enter Opening Day looking to rebound from a World Series loss. Key absences—DJ LeMahieu and Giancarlo Stanton—limit offensive firepower. Freddy Peralta’s strikeout-heavy approach offers underdog value, especially given uncertainty in the Yankees’ bullpen. The recommendation: Wait for a better Brewers price closer to first pitch.
Orioles vs. Blue Jays – 3:07 PM ET
Line: Blue Jays -102 | Orioles -108 | Total: 8.5
Pitchers: Zac Efflin (BAL) vs. Jose Berrios (TOR)
Despite injuries (Gunnar Henderson likely out), the Orioles are slight road favorites. Jose Berrios has dominated Baltimore: 10-1, 2.95 ERA in 16 career starts. Since joining the Jays, they’re 7-1 SU vs. Orioles with Berrios starting. Lean toward Blue Jays full-game ML or 1st 5 ML.
Phillies vs. Nationals – 4:05 PM ET
Line: Phillies -163 | Nationals +149 | Total: 7
Pitchers: Zach Wheeler (PHI) vs. Mackenzie Gore (WSH)
A large spread reflects confidence in Wheeler, who consistently delivers. Gore showed flashes last year but faded late. Temperature (~62°F) moderates offensive conditions. Recommendation: Phillies -1.5 (+105) or First 5 Run Line.
Red Sox vs. Rangers – 4:05 PM ET
Line: Red Sox -112 | Rangers +102 | Total: 7.5
Pitchers: Garrett Crochet (BOS) vs. Nathan Eovaldi (TEX)
Crochet’s first Opening Day start is a wildcard, while Eovaldi struggles against his former team (7.04 ERA in 3 starts). Expect offense early. Take: Over 7.5 total runs.
Pirates vs. Marlins – 4:10 PM ET
Line: Pirates -150 | Marlins +138 | Total: 6.5
Pitchers: Paul Skenes (PIT) vs. Sandy Alcantara (MIA)
Pitching duel of the day. Skenes debuts; Alcantara returns from 2023 absence. Griffin likes fading Skenes and Pittsburgh on the road. Miami’s bullpen is unreliable. Suggested play: Marlins 1st 5 ML or 1st 5 Under 3.
Giants vs. Reds – 4:10 PM ET
Line: Giants -106 | Reds -104 | Total: 7.5
Pitchers: Logan Webb (SF) vs. Hunter Greene (CIN)
Groundball expert Webb vs. flyball-prone Greene in a hitter’s park. San Francisco has bullpen edge; Cincinnati lacks a defined closer. With mild temperatures expected, lean toward: Under 8 or SF ML.
Braves vs. Padres – 4:10 PM ET
Line: Braves -123 | Padres +113 | Total: 7
Pitchers: Chris Sale (ATL) vs. Michael King (SD)
With Ronald Acuña out, Padres are appealing home dogs. Sale may regress after Cy Young season. King posted a 2.95 ERA last year. Best bet: Padres ML +113.
Guardians vs. Royals – 4:10 PM ET
Line: Royals -130 | Guardians +110 | Total: 7.5
Pitchers: Tanner Bibee (CLE) vs. Cole Ragans (KC)
Cleveland’s bullpen is elite, but Ragans and KC’s offense can jump early. Guardians lack Royce Lewis. Look for: Royals 1st 5 ML or live CLE bet if ahead late.
Mets vs. Astros – 4:10 PM ET
Line: Astros -130 | Mets +110 | Total: 8
Pitchers: Clay Holmes (NYM) vs. Framber Valdez (HOU)
Holmes starts unexpectedly; Valdez was 9-2 with 2.53 ERA at home in 2023. Mets might start slow offensively. Pick: Astros ML -130.
Angels vs. White Sox – 7:10 PM ET
Line: Angels -155 | White Sox +130 | Total: 8
Pitchers: Yusei Kikuchi (LAA) vs. Sean Burke (CHW)
Chicago’s offense remains barren; Burke is unproven. Fade Sox early and often. Potential prop: Mike Trout HR.
Twins vs. Cardinals – 7:15 PM ET
Line: Pick 'em | Total: 7.5
Pitchers: Pablo Lopez (MIN) vs. Sonny Gray (STL)
Sonny Gray is elite at home (2.79 ERA). Lopez is high-ceiling, high-risk. Twins miss Royce Lewis. Recommended play: Cardinals ML or 1st 5 ML.
Tigers vs. Dodgers – 7:10 PT
Line: Dodgers -163 | Tigers +149 | Total: 6.5
Pitchers: Tarik Skubal (DET) vs. Blake Snell (LAD)
Skubal is underrated; Snell can be wild. Detroit may cash as underdogs if they work pitch counts. Best value: Tigers 1st 5 ML.
Cubs vs. Diamondbacks – 10:10 PM ET
Line: Diamondbacks -126 | Cubs +116 | Total: 8.5
Pitchers: Justin Steele (CHC) vs. Zac Gallen (ARZ)
Gallen dominates at home (33-15 SU, 32-16 RL since 2022). Against CHC, he's allowed 1 or fewer ER in 5 of 6 starts. Griffin’s Best Bet: Dbacks ML or RL.
Athletics vs. Mariners – 10:10 PM ET
Line: Mariners -164 | A’s +150 | Total: 7
Pitchers: Luis Severino (OAK) vs. Logan Gilbert (SEA)
Gilbert had a 2.49 ERA at T-Mobile Park in 2023. A’s lineup is lackluster. Look for: 1st 5 Under or Mariners ML.
Final Best Bets from Hosts
Wrap-Up
The podcast offers an expert, statistical breakdown of every Opening Day matchup, providing edges for bettors and fans alike. The key strategies include waiting for lineups, evaluating bullpen reliability, and leveraging pitcher splits.
Bet responsibly—and enjoy Opening Day!