MLB Opening Day Picks 3/26
MLB Opening Day Picks
Opening Day around Major League Baseball is finally here, and it doesn’t get much better than a full slate of games to kick off the 2026 season. After an offseason filled with big moves, headline signings, and plenty of hype, we’re set for an exciting start across the league.
We have a great matchup Wednesday night between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants, but Thursday is the day we get a full slate of games to break down! At this time of year, most fan bases are buzzing with excitement because everyone is in contention. That’s what makes Opening Day in the MLB so great. Now, here are our best bets across the MLB for Opening Day.
MLB Opening Day Picks 3/26
- PICK #1: LA Dodgers -1.5 (-123) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
- PICK #2: Tampa Bay Rays ML (-121) vs. St. Louis Cardinals
- PICK #3: Boston Red Sox vs. Cincinnati Reds Over 8 Runs (-119)
PICK #1: Dodgers -1.5 (-123) vs. Diamondbacks
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the new season exactly where you’d expect, on top of the baseball world. Coming off back-to-back World Series titles and reloading in the offseason, they’re once again the team everyone is chasing. With stars all over the roster and even more added talent with Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz, this lineup looks just as dangerous as ever.
They’ll also have a clear edge on the mound with Yoshinobu Yamamoto getting the ball. He is coming off a monster season with over 200 strikeouts and ranking 6th in the league in WHIP. On the other side, Zac Gallen is trying to bounce back from a down year and has historically struggled in this matchup, posting a 2-5 career record against the Dodgers.
When you combine the Dodgers’ offensive firepower with their pitching advantage, this shapes up as a spot where they can win comfortably. Laying the run line is the way to go.
PICK #2: Rays ML (-121) vs. Cardinals
The matchup between the Tampa Bay Rays and the St. Louis Cardinals features two teams in slightly different stages of development, but Tampa Bay appears to have the edge heading into Opening Day. While both teams are building toward future success, the Rays are a bit further along, especially in lineup consistency and the bullpen.
Tampa Bay brings a balanced offensive approach with a young stud in Junior Caminero and a great veteran in Yandy Diaz. That depth should serve them well in a matchup like this, particularly against a Cardinals searching for a new identity. The Rays also have the advantage on the mound, with Drew Rasmussen getting the start. His ability to limit hard contact and control the game's pace gives Tampa Bay a reliable foundation. He is coming off a healthy season, posting a 2.76 ERA in 150 innings.
Meanwhile, St. Louis turns to Matthew Liberatore, who has shown flashes but hasn’t consistently put it all together at the major league level. His WHIP last season was 1.31, and he had an ERA over 4.20. That inconsistency could be a problem against a solid Tampa Bay Rays lineup.
All things considered, Tampa Bay looks like the more complete team in this spot. With advantages in both the starting pitching matchup and bullpen, backing the Rays on the money line is a solid way to approach this matchup.
PICK #3: Red Sox vs. Reds Over 8 Runs (-119)
This matchup between the Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds has all the makings of a high-scoring affair. Great American Ball Park is well-known for producing big offensive numbers, and both teams bring lineups capable of taking advantage.
With young stars like Elly De La Cruz and Roman Anthony sharing the field alongside experienced bats such as Trevor Story, Wilson Contreras, Eugenio Suárez, and TJ Friedl, there’s plenty of firepower on both sides. While the starting pitching matchup between Garrett Crochet and Andrew Abbott could keep things quiet early, it’s unlikely either arm will go deep into the game this early in the season.
Once the bullpens get involved, expect the scoring to pick up. With favorable hitting conditions and plenty of offensive talent, the Over is the best play in this one.
