The short slate for MLB tonight has us eyeing the later-evening matchups out west.
Chief among them, the Arizona Diamondbacks measure up well against Chicago Cubs right-hander Kevin Gausman as the clubs kick off a series in the desert.
Our MLB expert picks break down a trio of moneyline predictions below on Monday, Aug. 24.
MLB expert picks for today
| Pick | Odds |
|---|---|
 Jon Metler: AZ ML |
+127 |
 Dustin Saracini: SD ML |
-104 |
 Jason Wilson: A's ML |
+144 |
Prices courtesy of Polymarket.
Trade on MLB at Polymarket!
Sign up now using our exclusive Polymarket promo code 'COVERS' (on your mobile app only) and get a $50 trading bonus after you deposit $50 to trade on any other event contracts — including MLB expert picks!
*Eligible locations only
Jon Metler's expert pick: Diamondbacks moneyline
Price: 44¢ (+127) at Polymarket
Kevin Gausman starts for the Chicago Cubs, and the Arizona Diamondbacks are a difficult matchup for him.
Gausman relies heavily on his four-seam fastball at the top of the zone before deploying his splitter below the knees as his primary put-away pitch. Corbin Carroll and Lars Nootbaar, who hit near the top of Arizona's lineup, are disciplined hitters who won't likely chase splitters at the bottom of the zone or in the dirt. If they lay off that pitch, Gausman will challenge them with fastballs in the zone.
Gausman is also vulnerable to speed on the basepaths and has a history of allowing stolen bases. Arizona's combination of plate discipline and aggressive baserunning could put pressure on the veteran righty throughout.
The Diamondbacks are trading at 44 cents on Polymarket, but I price them closer to 47 cents, giving us an edge at the current price.
Todd Cordell has a different take in his Cubs vs. Diamondbacks predictions.
- Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
- How to watch: Marquee, Diamondbacks.TV
Dustin Saracini's expert pick: Padres moneyline
Price: 51¢ (-104) at Polymarket
The San Diego Padres are on an absolute tear, winning 11 of their last 14 games after sweeping the Twins over the weekend.
The offense has been the driving force, as the Friars have scored 21 runs across their last three games.
Robbie Ray goes for San Diego tonight, and he's owned this Pittsburgh Pirates lineup throughout his career, punching them out at a 33% clip while holding them to a .147 xBA and .208 xwOBA.
Yes, Braxton Ashcraft has been stellar, but I'm giving the Padres the edge, and would play it up to 54 cents at Polymarket.
- Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
- How to watch: SportsNet Pittsburgh, Padres.TV
Jason Wilson's expert pick: A's moneyline
Price: 41¢ (+144) at Polymarket
This prediction largely comes down to the Minnesota Twins being favored too heavily over the Athletics.
A's starter Jeffrey Springs hasn't been good this season, and these same Twins bludgeoned him to the tune of four earned runs in just 1 1/3 innings on July 26. However, a spell on the injured list may have helped, as he performed better against the Royals in his most recent start.
But Twins starter Zebby Matthews shouldn't be widening the gap here. The right-hander still has potential, but he's been absolutely dragged by the long ball, allowing 19 home runs in 96 2/3 innings. His 1.77 HR/9 is 12th-highest among starters who have thrown at least 90 innings.
Granted, Springs' 2.30 is the highest. So, if you're hesitant to invest in the A's and their homer-prone southpaw from a value perspective, the Over 10.5 at 54 cents is your next best option.
- Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
- How to watch: Twins.TV, NBC Sports California
More MLB best bets for today
| Pick | Odds |
|---|---|
| TB ML | -137 |
| Read analysis in our Rays vs. Tigers predictions | |
| PHI ML | -115 |
| Read analysis in our Phillies vs. Mariners predictions | |
| CHC/AZ o8.5 | -126 |
| Read analysis in our Cubs vs. Diamondbacks predictions | |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
