MLB Picks

Get free expert and computer MLB picks for every game on May 18, 2026. With over 25 years of betting experience, our analysts and predictive models help you find the best value.

Baltimore Orioles logo BAL @ Tampa Bay Rays logo TB Mon, May 18 • 6:40 PM ET
1 Expert Pick 10 Computer Picks
Earned Runs Allowed
Shane McClanahan logo Shane McClanahan u1.5 Earned Runs Allowed (+109)
Best Odds
Pick made: 9 hours ago
Quinn Allen image
Quinn Allen
Betting Analyst

Shane McClanahan has looked untouchable lately, throwing four straight scoreless outings while allowing only three hits across his last two starts. The Rays ace owns a stellar 0.87 ERA at home and has historically dominated Baltimore hitters. With the Orioles struggling against him, another low-scoring outing looks likely

Total Hits
Ryan Vilade logo
Ryan Vilade u0.5 Total Hits (+130)
Projection 0.66
Best Odds
Pick made: 1 hours ago
EV Model Rating
Star rating: 3 out of 5
The leading projection system (THE BAT X) projects Ryan Vilade in the 25th percentile when assessing his overall offensive talent.. The leading projection system (THE BAT) ranks Tropicana Field as the 4th-worst park in MLB for right-handed BABIP.. Ryan Vilade hits many of his flyballs to center field (38.7% — 90th percentile) but may find it hard to clear baseball's 9th-deepest CF fences in today's matchup.. When it comes to his wOBA and overall offense, Ryan Vilade has experienced some positive variance since the start of last season. His .303 figure has been considerably higher than the leading projection system (THE BAT X)'s version of Statcast-based Expected wOBA (xwOBA) at .277.. Posting a .187 Expected Batting Average (an advanced metric created by the leading projection system (THE BAT X) utilizing Statcast data) since the start of last season , Ryan Vilade grades out in the 16th percentile.
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Atlanta Braves logo ATL @ Miami Marlins logo MIA Mon, May 18 • 6:40 PM ET
1 Expert Pick 10 Computer Picks
Total Home Runs
Drake Baldwin logo Drake Baldwin o0.5 Total Home Runs (+434)
Best Odds
Pick made: 6 hours ago
Quinn Allen image
Quinn Allen
Betting Analyst

Drake Baldwin continues to emerge as one of baseball’s top power-hitting catchers, launching 13 home runs while batting .301. The Braves youngster has homered three times in his last five games and has shown more pop on the road with seven away bombs. Baldwin also gets a favorable matchup against Max Meyer, who allowed two homers in his previous outing.

Total Bases
Austin Riley logo
Austin Riley u1.5 Total Bases (-165)
Projection 0.93
Best Odds
Pick made: an hour ago
EV Model Rating
Star rating: 3 out of 5
LoanDepot Park grades out as the #28 park in baseball for righty home runs, according to the leading projection system (THE BAT).. Built just 6 feet above sea level, LoanDepot Park has one of the lowest altitudes among all stadiums, which tends to lead to worse offense.. According to the weather forecast, the temperature and humidity for this matchup will be the 6th-most favorable for pitching of all games on the slate.. Max Meyer will hold the platoon advantage against Austin Riley in today's game.. Austin Riley will be at a disadvantage playing as a visiting player in today's game.
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Cleveland Guardians logo CLE @ Detroit Tigers logo DET Mon, May 18 • 6:40 PM ET
2 Expert Picks 10 Computer Picks
Total
Cleveland Guardians logo Detroit Tigers logo u8.5 (-128)
Best Odds
Pick made: 4 hours ago
Jason Ence image
Jason Ence
Betting Analyst

Over the past two weeks, the Tigers rank 29th in hard-hit rate, dead last in HR/FB rate, and last in wRC+. Cleveland’s pen in that span ranks second in K rate. Detroit’s pen has forced a league-high 55.2% GB rate during that timeframe. That’ll come in handy seeing as the Guardians have posted the fourth-highest GB/FB rate while ranking 25th in BABIP. 

 

Moneyline
Detroit Tigers logo DET (-145)
Best Odds
Pick made: 4 hours ago
Jason Ence image
Jason Ence
Betting Analyst

Slade Cecconi is getting pummeled by opposing hitters this season. His 5.60 ERA and 5.05 FIP rank among the worst in the majors for pitchers with at least 40 IP. Framber Valdez has put up quality numbers in seven of his nine starts, and he’s facing a Cleveland lineup ranked 21st in hard-hit rate and eighth in groundball rate vs. RHP the past two weeks.   

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Cincinnati Reds logo CIN @ Philadelphia Phillies logo PHI Mon, May 18 • 6:40 PM ET
1 Expert Pick 10 Computer Picks
Total
Cincinnati Reds logo Philadelphia Phillies logo o9.5 (-108)
Best Odds
Pick made: 22 hours ago
Jason Wilson image
Jason Wilson
Publishing Editor

I'm a believer in Nick Lodolo, but the Reds lefty has looked very shaky as he's returned from a blister that sidelined him into May. Phillies rookie Andrew Painter may also have a bright future, but a bout of homer-itis has hampered his debut campaign to the tune of a 6.21 ERA. Add in Cincinnati's 4.89 bullpen ERA and we've got a prime recipe for an Over, even at an inflated total.

Total Hits
Edmundo Sosa logo
Edmundo Sosa u0.5 Total Hits (+175)
Projection 0.83
Best Odds
Pick made: 2 hours ago
EV Model Rating
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Built just 19 feet above sea level, Citizens Bank Park has one of the lowest elevations in the majors, which often leads to less offense.. The Cincinnati Reds infield defense profiles as the 3rd-strongest among all the teams playing today.. Edmundo Sosa's average exit velocity has decreased recently; his 86.8-mph seasonal figure has lowered to 80-mph in the last two weeks' worth of games.. From last season to this one, Edmundo Sosa's ability to hit the ball at a launch angle that optimizes home runs (23° to 34°) has decreased substantially, plummeting from 13.8% to 5.5%.. Edmundo Sosa's ability to hit the ball at a HR-optimizing launch angle (between 23° and 34°) has fallen off recently, going from 5.5% on the season to 0% over the past 14 days.
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New York Mets logo NYM @ Washington Nationals logo WAS Mon, May 18 • 6:45 PM ET
10 Computer Picks
Total Hits
Tyrone Taylor logo
Tyrone Taylor u0.5 Total Hits (+177)
Projection 0.86
Best Odds
Pick made: 21 minutes ago
EV Model Rating
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Tyrone Taylor is projected to hit 8th in the lineup in this matchup.. Since the start of last season, Tyrone Taylor has been replaced by a pinch-hitter in 11% of his appearances when starting against right-handed starter.. The #3 park in MLB for suppressing batting average to right-handed hitters, according to the leading projection system (THE BAT), is Nationals Park.. Nationals Park's elevation is near sea-level, one of the lowest among all major league stadiums, which generally leads to less offense.. Batting from the same side that Jake Irvin throws from, Tyrone Taylor will not have the upper hand in today's matchup.
Total Bases
James Wood logo
James Wood o1.5 Total Bases (+105)
Projection 2.3
Best Odds
Pick made: an hour ago
EV Model Rating
Star rating: 4 out of 5
The leading projection system (THE BAT X) projects James Wood as the best hitter in the league as it relates to his BABIP ability.. James Wood is projected to hit 1st in the batting order today.. The 7th-shallowest right field fences in Major League Baseball are found in Nationals Park.. A correlation exists between high heat and more offense (and fewer whiffs), and this game is predicted to have the hottest weather of all games today at 93°.. The wind projects to be blowing out to LF at 8.1-mph in this match-up, the 4th-strongest of the day for batters.
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Toronto Blue Jays logo TOR @ New York Yankees logo NYY Mon, May 18 • 7:05 PM ET
3 Expert Picks 10 Computer Picks
Total Home Runs
Kazuma Okamoto logo Kazuma Okamoto o0.5 Total Home Runs (+425)
Best Odds
Pick made: 8 hours ago
Mike DiStefano image
Mike DiStefano
Betting Analyst

Kazuma Okamoto has a team-high 10 home runs, while ranking in the 95th percentile in hard-hit rate.

The Jays slugger owns a .295 average and a .636 xSLG against the four-seam fastball, which is Ryan Weathers’ most used pitch against right-handed batters

Total Bases
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. logo Vladimir Guerrero Jr. o1.5 Total Bases (+125)
Best Odds
Pick made: 8 hours ago
Mike DiStefano image
Mike DiStefano
Betting Analyst

Despite a prolonged slump, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s bat was never going to stay silent for too long, and he busted out with a two-hit game on Sunday, including a home run. While he may not go deep tonight, he measures up well against Ryan Weathers and his fastball-heavy approach.

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Boston Red Sox logo BOS @ Kansas City Royals logo KC Mon, May 18 • 7:10 PM ET
2 Expert Picks 10 Computer Picks
Total
Boston Red Sox logo Kansas City Royals logo o9.0 (-105)
Best Odds
Pick made: 9 hours ago
Todd Cordell image
Todd Cordell
Betting Analyst

The Royals trail only the Yankees in OPS vs. righties while ranking first in both hard hit rate and FB% at home. That's a huge plus when playing in a hitter-friendly ballpark – especially on a hot day with up to 20 MPH blowing out.

Seth Lugo has had a tougher time against left-handed hitters and the Red Sox have plenty to throw at him.

Moneyline
Kansas City Royals logo KC (-105)
Best Odds
Pick made: 9 hours ago
Todd Cordell image
Todd Cordell
Betting Analyst

Seth Lugo has made four starts against teams in the bottom half of the league in OBP, allowing two runs or less in three of them.

The Boston Red Sox rank 24th in OBP against right-handed pitching and 28th the past month. 

Sonny Gray will have a more difficult time slowing down the Kansas City Royals. Their offense is electric at home, sitting third in OBP and second in wOBA when facing righties. 

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Houston Astros logo HOU @ Minnesota Twins logo MIN Mon, May 18 • 7:40 PM ET
10 Computer Picks
Total Hits
Isaac Paredes logo
Isaac Paredes u0.5 Total Hits (+185)
Projection 0.88
Best Odds
Pick made: an hour ago
EV Model Rating
Star rating: 3 out of 5
The leading projection system (THE BAT X) projects Isaac Paredes in the 2nd percentile when assessing his BABIP talent.. Among all major league stadiums, Target Field's centerfield dimensions are the 10th-deepest.. According to the weather forecast, the temperature and humidity for this game will be the best for pitching of all games on the slate.. Isaac Paredes will be at a disadvantage playing away from home today.. Isaac Paredes's average exit velocity has dropped off of late; his 87.3-mph seasonal figure has dropped to 83.8-mph over the last week.
Total Hits
Tristan Gray logo
Tristan Gray u0.5 Total Hits (+120)
Projection 0.67
Best Odds
Pick made: 9 minutes ago
EV Model Rating
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Tristan Gray's batting average ability is projected to be in the 3rd percentile according to the leading projection system (THE BAT X).. Tristan Gray is penciled in 8th on the lineup card in today's game.. According to the weather forecast, the temperature and humidity for this game will be the best for pitching of all games on the slate.. Tristan Gray hits a high percentage of his flyballs to center field (38.1% — 81st percentile) and has the misfortune of hitting them towards MLB's 10th-deepest CF fences in today's game.. Tristan Gray has displayed bad plate discipline since the start of last season, ranking in the 25th percentile with a 4.35 K/BB rate.
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Milwaukee Brewers logo MIL @ Chicago Cubs logo CHC Mon, May 18 • 7:40 PM ET
2 Expert Picks 10 Computer Picks
Total
Milwaukee Brewers logo Chicago Cubs logo u10.5 (-105)
Best Odds
Pick made: 6 hours ago
Chris Hatfield image
Chris Hatfield
Betting Analyst

Shota Imanaga has been sensational over the past month, and his 91st percentile whiff rate should grab some easy outs. The Brewers are a disciplined lineup that chases at right around 25%, but that doesn't matter much here. Imanga generates swing-and-miss with pure stuff, not chase, which poses unique issues. On the other hand, while I expect the Cubs to score enough to cover, not enough to push this Over. I'd play to 10.  

Spread
Chicago Cubs logo CHC -1.5 (+110)
Best Odds
Pick made: 6 hours ago
Chris Hatfield image
Chris Hatfield
Betting Analyst

Brandon Sproat's pitching run value ranks in the third percentile of baseball, with the breaking ball slightly worse than that. That’s a problem against the Cubs because it forces him to rely too much on the fastball, which is a pitch the Cubs hit as well as any team in the sport. On the other side is Shota Imanaga. His diverse skill set should be able to neutralize the Brewers' bats tonight. I would play this down to -110. 
 

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Texas Rangers logo TEX @ Colorado Rockies logo COL Mon, May 18 • 8:40 PM ET
10 Computer Picks
Total Hits
Evan Carter logo
Evan Carter u0.5 Total Hits (+163)
Projection 0.8
Best Odds
Pick made: an hour ago
EV Model Rating
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Less offense (and more strikeouts) are strongly correlated with cold weather, and the weather report for this game expects the 2nd-lowest temperature of all games today at 42°.. The wind projects to be blowing in from CF at 9.2-mph in this match-up, the most-favorable of the day for mound aces.. Jose Quintana will have the handedness advantage against Evan Carter in today's matchup.. Among every team today, the 5th-strongest infield defense is that of the the Colorado Rockies.. Playing on the road typically weakens hitter metrics across the board due to the lack of home field advantage, which figures to be the case for Evan Carter in today's matchup.
Total Bases
Mickey Moniak logo
Mickey Moniak o1.5 Total Bases (+165)
Projection 1.64
Best Odds
Pick made: 4 hours ago
EV Model Rating
Star rating: 4 out of 5
When estimating his home run ability, Mickey Moniak ranks in the 93rd percentile according to the leading projection system (THE BAT X).. The #1 ballpark in the majors for boosting offensive stats, per the leading projection system (THE BAT), is Coors Field.. Coors Field sits at the highest altitude among all major league stadiums. High elevation tends to lead to more offense.. Home field advantage generally bolsters batter stats across the board, and Mickey Moniak will hold that advantage today.. Mickey Moniak has made substantial strides with his Barrel% in recent games, bettering his 15.3% seasonal rate to 21.4% over the past 14 days.
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Athletics Athletics logo ATH @ Los Angeles Angels logo LAA Mon, May 18 • 9:38 PM ET
1 Expert Pick 10 Computer Picks
Moneyline
Athletics Athletics logo ATH (-125)
Best Odds
Pick made: 22 hours ago
Jason Wilson image
Jason Wilson
Publishing Editor

The Angels are in freefall (what else is new?), and the A's have the offense to handle Walbert Urena. Shea Langeliers and Nick Kurtz are red hot, and that really can't be said about anyone on Los Angeles right now. 

Total Bases
Shea Langeliers logo
Shea Langeliers o1.5 Total Bases (+115)
Projection 2.04
Best Odds
Pick made: an hour ago
EV Model Rating
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Shea Langeliers projects as the 16th-best home run hitter in the majors, per the leading projection system (THE BAT X).. Shea Langeliers is penciled in 2nd in the lineup in this game.. In MLB, Angel Stadium has the lowest average fence height.. The wind projects to be blowing out to CF at 8.1-mph in this game, the 3rd-most-favorable of the day for batters.. Extreme flyball batters like Shea Langeliers tend to perform better against extreme groundball pitchers like Walbert Urena.
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Los Angeles Dodgers logo LAD @ San Diego Padres logo SD Mon, May 18 • 9:40 PM ET
5 Expert Picks 10 Computer Picks
Total Home Runs
Shohei Ohtani logo Shohei Ohtani o0.5 Total Home Runs (+304)
Best Odds
Pick made: 6 hours ago
Quinn Allen image
Quinn Allen
Betting Analyst

Shohei Ohtani appears to be heating up at the plate after a slow start, piling up five hits and seven RBI over his last two games. The Dodgers superstar has dominated Padres starter Michael King throughout his career, going 6-for-14 with three home runs against him. Given Ohtani’s recent form and success in this matchup, the value is hard to ignore.

Total
Los Angeles Dodgers logo San Diego Padres logo u7.5 (-105)
Best Odds
Pick made: 8 hours ago
JD Yonke image
JD Yonke
Betting Analyst

Yoshinobu Yamamoto forecasts for success against an ice-cold Padres lineup (24.9% K rate against RHP this month), whereas San Diego is 2-7 O/U in Michael King's last nine starts. Both ballclubs have effective bullpens as San Diego's leads the MLB in FIP (2.44) this month, while LA is right behind (2.46).

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Chicago White Sox logo CHW @ Seattle Mariners logo SEA Mon, May 18 • 9:40 PM ET
2 Expert Picks 10 Computer Picks
Total
Chicago White Sox logo Seattle Mariners logo o7.5 (-106)
Best Odds
Pick made: 5 hours ago
Shawn Krest image
Shawn Krest
Betting Analyst

Seattle scored 12 runs against Chicago earlier this month and could put up some runs against Schultz, who struggles with control. He’s walking more than six batters per nine, which could be trouble against a Mariners lineup that ranks third in the AL in walks drawn.  

Moneyline
Chicago White Sox logo CHW (+150)
Best Odds
Pick made: 5 hours ago
Shawn Krest image
Shawn Krest
Betting Analyst

Chicago has scored 5+ runs in the last six games and eight of the last nine, averaging 6.2 runs per game over that stretch, which includes scoring 16 in three games against Seattle.

Seattle starter Bryan Woo’s fastball hasn’t been as effective as it was last season, while Chicago rookie Noah Schultz has better hit and homer per nine rates this season.

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San Francisco Giants logo SF @ Arizona Diamondbacks logo AZ Mon, May 18 • 9:40 PM ET
2 Expert Picks 10 Computer Picks
Total Home Runs
Corbin Carroll logo Corbin Carroll o0.5 Total Home Runs (+620)
Best Odds
Pick made: 6 hours ago
Quinn Allen image
Quinn Allen
Betting Analyst

Corbin Carroll is swinging a hot bat, hitting .421 over the last week and coming off a two-homer performance against Colorado. The Diamondbacks outfielder has also crushed left-handed pitching this season, batting .414 against southpaws. Giants starter Robbie Ray has already surrendered 10 home runs in 2026, making this a favorable matchup.

Total Bases
Corbin Carroll logo Corbin Carroll o1.5 Total Bases (+120)
Best Odds
Pick made: 9 hours ago
Quinn Allen image
Quinn Allen
Betting Analyst

Corbin Carroll is red-hot at the plate, hitting .421 over the last week while clearing this total in four consecutive games. The Diamondbacks star is driving the ball with authority, collecting extra-base hits consistently. Robbie Ray has been vulnerable to power this season, giving Carroll a strong opportunity to stay rolling.

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