Spring Training is back! As the frost of a baseball-less winter finally melts away, we’re here to heat things up with picks while every team gets into full swing today.
Take a look at why I’m focusing on a couple of plus-money teams in my MLB picks for Saturday, February 21.
Spring Training predictions for February 21
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
Phillies moneyline
Red Sox moneyline
Giants moneyline
Pick #1: Phillies moneyline
Spring Training games often hinge on bullpen depth and timely hitting which is two areas where the Philadelphia Phillies have been pretty steady this time of year.
With the Toronto Blue Jays slightly favored (around -142) and Philly sitting at +120, the Phillies bring some nice value if their early arms give them solid innings and the offense can scratch across runs.
I’m expecting a tight, competitive game, but Philadelphia’s underdog price and recent edge in the matchup make them a strong moneyline lean against Eric Lauer.
Pick #2: Red Sox moneyline
Lately, when the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins have met in Spring Training, things have usually leaned Boston’s way, including last year’s 6–5 Grapefruit League win in a pretty similar spot.
Boston’s deeper lineup and balanced position group could give them an edge, especially in key at-bats and late-game situations.
Minnesota is expected to hand the ball to Joe Ryan to start, and they may mix in different bullpen looks early, which can lead to some uneven innings.
Boston, on the other hand, tends to use these spring games to get its regular hitters into a steady rhythm at the plate.
Pick #3: Giants moneyline
With plenty of young hitters and players competing for roster spots, the San Francisco Giants tend to take a scrappy, opportunistic approach early in the year and that style can really pay off in close spring games when pitching is all over the place.
This one could be a low- to moderate-scoring affair as both Hayden Birdsong and Emerson Hancock, along with the spring bullpen arms, work on finding their best grips and rhythms.
Still, San Francisco’s offense has shown it can put runs on the board against the Seattle Mariners in spring matchups, and at +120, the Giants look like a smart moneyline play here.
