MLB Saturday Picks - August 17

Don’t look now, but the MLB playoff picture is not only taking shape but heating up in a big way. With a full slate of weekend series on deck, it’s never been a better time to get in on the action. Between interconference clashes and divisional rivalries, today’s slate is a loaded one. With that in mind, we’ve shared our best MLB Saturday picks for 8/17.

MLB Saturday predictions

New York Mets -1.5 (-135) over Miami Marlins

Kansas City Royals ML (+100) over Cincinnati Reds

Cleveland Guardians vs. Milwaukee Brewers Under 7.5 Runs (-120)

Best MLB Saturday picks: New York Mets -1.5 (-135) over Miami Marlins

First up is an aforementioned divisional rivalry, as nearly the entire NL East is up against one another. As for this afternoon battle, the Mets are vying for playoff position, while the Marlins are simply trying not to have the worst record in baseball. Along with this game being in Queens, it’s likely no surprise that we’re focused on a smooth New York victory.

They’re giving Luis Severino the start, and the former New York Yankee has been solid for them. It won’t exactly be like having Jacob deGrom or Max Scherzer back in their rotation, but they can handle Miami starter Max Meyer and their lackluster lineup. The Marlins have scored the fourth-fewest runs in the MLB, while the Mets just outside the top five in that regard. Even if they don’t have an ace on the mound, New York’s offensive firepower can get them a win by more than a single run.

Best MLB Saturday picks: Kansas City Royals ML (+100) over Cincinnati Reds

Now it’s time to shift our best MLB Saturday picks to an interconference clash. The Royals and Reds are trying to climb their respective Central divisions, and they also roster arguably the two most exciting young studs in baseball - Kansas City’s Bobby Witt Jr. and Cincinnati’s Elly De La Cruz. With such excitement on the diamond at once, who will come out on top?

Unlike the first of our best MLB Saturday picks, we’re going with the road team this time around. On the bump for the Royals will be Michael Wacha, and the former Boston Red Sox starter is coming off a great outing. Wacha has pitched seven full innings in two of his last three starts, and Kansas City has won all three of those games. Cinci starter Nick Lodolo may have an intimidating 9-4 record, but given how strikeout-dependent he is, we trust the Royals to come through.

Best MLB Saturday picks: Cleveland Guardians vs. Milwaukee Brewers Under 7.5 Runs (-120)

The last of our best MLB Saturday picks is another matchup between the two Central Divisions. This time, it’s the two leaders of those divisions. The Guardians are still in play for the MLB’s best record, and the Brewers to take full control of the NL Central with a firm double-digit-game lead. So, rather than sweating out a winner, we’re going to focus on the total.

In that respect, we’re not expecting many fireworks at American Family Field. Admittedly, it’s a more hitter-friendly ballpark, but that’s also why totals here are set rather high. Regardless, despite these being two division leaders, they haven’t been doing so by lighting up the scoreboard. Milwaukee is nearing the bottom 20 in terms of runs scored, while Cleveland is only in the middle of the pack. Along with the Guardians' elite bullpen and closer, our best MLB Saturday picks to wrap up with a low-scoring game in Milwaukee.