Our free MLB picks are out for Friday, April 8th, 2022! Make sure you check our MLB picks before the action kicks off.
Look below to find our free MLB picks for the five best games on today’s schedule!
Boston Red Sox @ New York Yankees – 1:05PM ET
After having their opening day clash postponed by rain yesterday. The greatest rivalry in baseball gets underway on Friday to open up the season. As the Boston Red Sox travel to Yankee Stadium to play the New York Yankees
Tony Battalio
The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees rivalry is unmatched in the world of sports as these two storied franchises cannot stand each other. Anytime they take the field together they tend to make moments that last forever in the history of baseball and now they will open up 2022 together and write another storied chapter in the history of the game. The Boston Red Sox come into this season off of a decent season in 2021 but they will still be looking to improve in 2022. Getting the opening day nod for them is Nathan Eovaldi.
It’s been 13 years since the New York Yankees have won a World Series. For a franchise that used to average one every three years, 13 truly feels like a lifetime ago for the pinstripes. They keep getting closer and closer but can’t seem to get past the American League Championship Series. However, this year might finally be different for the Bronx Bombers. As Gerrit Cole takes the mound for them in this one as they try to get their season off on the right foot. As for the result of this game I have the Yankees getting the win.
Tony’s MLB Pick: NY Yankees (-174)
Jeffery Thomas
The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox will kick off their seasons on Friday finally, after having the Thursday game rained out and postponed. The Yankees will be looking for a bit of revenge after having their season ended in the Wild-Card game at the hands of their bitter rivals. The offseason was a frustrating one for Yankees fans following them to a disappointing ending because of the lack of a big name free agent being signed. It’s an exact rematch of the pitching matchup from the Wild-Card game h Gerrit Cole facing Nathan Eovaldi of the Red Sox. The Sox brought in Trevor Story on a six-year deal to join their loaded batting lineup and he will take over duties at second base. Should be a very entertaining game between these rivals and I’m looking forward to seeing which teams get started off on the right foot.
The Red Sox will be happy to see Gerrit Cole taking the mound after they found a way to crack his code last season. The Sox hitters attack and hunt for Cole’s fastball which throws him off and often leads to trying to change his approach and falling behind in the count. Boston’s lineup is deep and dangerous and getting this price against a pitcher they’ve had success against is hard to pass up.
Jeffery’s MLB Pick: Boston Red Sox (+146)
Marko Nadin
There is no better way for the Yankees to open a new season than to host the fierce rivals, the Boston Red Sox. The Yankees are coming after a decent season finishing 92-70 in 2021 but that doesn’t change the fact that they haven’t won the World series in 13 years. The Yankees will start Gerrit Cole who is starting his third season with the Yankees. Cole was 16-8 last season with a 3.23 ERA. The Yankees have won 6 of the last 8 series openers but only 1 of the last 5 games as favourites.
The Boston Red Sox had the exact same record as the Yankees last season with 92 wins and 70 losses. They will have Nathan Eovaldi and the mound today and that is a good enough reason to be optimistic about the outcome of the game. The 32-year-old was 11-9 last season with a 3.75 ERA. The Red Sox have won the last 6 games against a starting pitcher with a WHIP less than 1.15 and 8 of the last 10 games against a right-handed starter.
Marko’s MLB Pick: Boston Red Sox (+146)
Los Angeles Dodgers @ Colorado Rockies – 4:10PM ET
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies will kick off the 2022 season. As this National League West matchup should be a good one on Friday afternoon. The Dodgers made it to the NLCS last year while the Rockies missed the playoffs entirely.
Tony Battalio
The Los Angeles Dodgers somehow managed to get even better over the offseason as they added Freddie Freeman to their already stacked lineup. Now they will be looking to get back to the World Series after being knocked out by the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series last year. The Braves would go on to win the World Series over the Houston Astros. Then they poached Freddie Freeman from them. Taking the hill for them in this one is going to be Walker Buehler.
The Colorado Rockies are coming off a rough year and this year might just be worse for them after they said goodbye to their longtime franchise cornerstone Trevor Story. They will be looking to get this season started off on the right foot by getting a win at home over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Taking the hill for them in this one will be Kyle Freeland. The Rockies still have a fighter’s chance this season but it doesn’t help that they play in one of the toughest divisions in baseball. As for the result of this game I have the Los Angeles Dodgers getting the win.
Tony’s MLB Pick: LA Dodgers (-210)
Jeffery Thomas
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the 2022 as the betting favorites to win the World Series so expectations couldn’t be any higher. The signing of Freddie Freeman from the Braves could be the cherry on top to bolster an already potent lineup and be what they need to get over the hump. LA wasn’t satisfied after that move though, and went out last week and brought in Craig Kimbrel from the Chicago White Sox to strengthen the back of their bullpen. This team is now one of the strongest rosters we’ve seen in recent history and will showcase it for the first time at Coors Field Friday against the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies are expected to finish at the bottom of the division but did make the surprise signing of the offseason, bringing in Kris Bryant. The former MVP and World Series champion got a seven-year deal worth $182 million.
This one isn’t going to be hard to call. The Dodgers hood advantages in every spot in this game and getting LA in this hitters friendly ballpark is going to wonders for their offense. Walker Buehler shoukd pitch a gem against this weak Rockies lineup and allow his team to run away in this one.
Jeffery’s MLB Pick: LA Dodgers -1.5 (-140)
Marko Nadin.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming into the season as the top contender to win the World Series and their star-packed roster is a real reason to believe in that. The Dodgers finished last season with an impressive 106-56 record including 48-33 on the road but that didn’t bring them the championship. They are starting the season on the road visiting the Rockies. The Dodgers will start Walker Buehler who was excellent last season with a 16-4 record and 2.47 ERA.
The Colorado Rockies are going into the season hoping to make a huge leap after finishing the last one with a 74-87 record and 48-33 at home. The Rockies will start Kyle Freeland at the mound who is entering his sixth season with the Rockies and has a 40-40 record so far in his career and 7-8 last season. Colorado has won only 3 of their last 13 home games and 8 of the last games against a right-handed pitcher. Opening the season with a win over the Dodgers can’t sound any better but that will not be the case this time around.
Marko’s MLB Pick: LA Dodgers (-210)
Seattle Mariners @ Minnesota Twins – 4:10PM ET
This game could end up being one of the best of the evening. As the Seattle Mariners head East to play the Minnesota Twins. Both of these teams could end up being potential playoff teams at the end of the season this year.
Tony Battalio
The Seattle Mariners fell short of the postseason in 2021. They were in the American League Wild Card race up until the final few days of the regular season. Now they will be looking to make that next step and get themselves in the playoffs for the first time in several seasons. They are a good young team with a ton of talent who could be a serious threat if they find their way into the postseason. Taking the mound for them in this one is going to be Robbie Ray, as they look to get 2022 started off on the right foot.
The Minnesota Twins are another team that will be looking to take the next step. Over the off-season they added one of the best players in baseball in Carlos Correa in free agency. The Twins play in a wide open division in my opinion as the only other team who is capable of competing this season in the American League Central is the Chicago White Sox. As for the result of this game I have the Seattle Mariners picking up the victory.
Tony’s MLB Pick: Seattle Mariners (-104)
Jeffery Thomas
The Seattle Mariners and Minnesota Twins both will get their seasons started on Friday afternoon in Minneapolis. Both teams had headline-grabbing off seasons, making huge free agency signings and trades. Seattle signed reigning Cy Young award winning pitcher Robbie Ray from Toronto and also traded with Cincinnati to bring in Jesse Winker and Adam Frazier. Minnesota made probably the move of the winter, signing Carlos Correa away from the Houston Astros for $105 million. Correa hit .279 with 26 homers and 92 driven in last year, all while winning the platinum glove for fielding as well. Expectations will be high for him with his new team and I’m sure he’d want nothing more than a big game in his home debut on Friday.
Robbie Ray had been pretty erratic for his career but finally got things together last season with the Blue Jays. Now that he’s cashed in and is in a new situation it’s hard to know if that same motivation and production will be there this season. This Twins team is going to be fired up in front of their home fans and will be trying out their new toy in Correa who I predict to go yard in this one. I also predict a win for the home Twins, who are getting a good price.
Jeffery’s MLB Pick: Minnesota Twins (-112)
Marko Nadin
The Minnesota Twins are coming in after another disappointing season finishing 73-89 last year with a 38-43 home record. The Twins brought in Carlos Corea from the Astros and that is a good enough reason to believe that a winning season is in front of them. The Twins will start Joe Ryan who is coming in his second season in the league after finishing the last one with a 2-1 record and 4.05 ERA. It is a great chance for the 25-year-old to prove that he deserves more starts this season and he seems ready to stand up against the challenge.
The Seattle Mariners had a pretty good season last year with a 90-72 record including 44-37 on the road. The Mariners have won 4 of the last 5 games against the Twins and are ready to continue the winning record with Robbie Ray on the mound. He is coming off a pretty good season with a 13-7 record and 2.84 ERA. Seattle has won the first game in 6 of the last 7 series and 19 of the last 26 road games.
Marko’s MLB Pick: Seattle Mariners (-104)
Texas Rangers @ Toronto Blue Jays – 7:07PM ET
One of the heated rivalries in recent memory gets underway on Friday. As the new look Texas Rangers will take on the Toronto Blue Jays. Both of these teams are hoping to be contenders in the American League this season.
Tony Battalio
The Texas Rangers made a ton of moves over the off-season and now they look like an entirely new baseball team. They said goodbye to long-time Ranger Elvis Andrus and added Corey Seager and Marcus Semien. Now they will look to compete in an American League West division that could be a four way race all the way to October. As the Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels, Houston Astros, and the Rangers could all potentially win the division title this season.
The Toronto Blue Jays will be looking to take the next step into the playoffs this season. After barely missing out on the postseason last year the Blue Jays are one of the top favorites to win the American League Pennant and potentially the World Series this season. The Blue Jays not only have a potential Most Valuable Player award winner in Vladdy Jr. they also have George Springer and Bo Bichete as well. As for the result of this game I have the Blue Jays getting the victory.
Tony’s MLB Pick: Toronto Blue Jays (-184)
Jeffery Thomas
Last season the Toronto Blue Jays barely missed out on the postseason despite winning 91 games and are looking to change their fortunes this season. Cy Young winner Robbie Ray walked out the door in the offseason, along with second baseman Marcus Semien and another rotational guy in Steven Matz. Those holes were filled by various free agent moves, but most notably for fans will be the acquisition of Matt Chapman from the Oakland Athletics. The third baseman is excited to be a Blue Jay and loves the direction of the franchise, and the goal is to win it all. Their journey to that begins on Friday against the Texas Rangers who lost 102 games in 2021. They finished last in the AL West but made some moves in the offseason, acquiring Corey Seager, Kole Calhoun, Semien from the Jays, and their opening day starter Jon Gray. Gray will put his 2-0 record against a Blue Jays offense that is no longer one you look forward to facing.
The Blue Jays are just too loaded and I don’t see the Rangers being able to keep up. After the let down last season I don’t think the Jays will take any game for granted and will be happy to get off to a nice 1-0 start in front of their home fans.
Jeffery’s MLB Pick: Toronto Blue Jays (-184)
Marko Nadin
The Toronto Blue Jays are coming off a disappointing season and they barely missed the playoffs despite winning 91 games in the regular season. They look even better going into this one and will probably win the AL East Division. The Blue Jays will start Jose Berrios who was traded from the Minnesota Twins during last season. He finished the last season with a 12-9 record with a 3.52 ERA. The Blue Jays had a good home record last year with 47-34 and the series against the Rangers seems like one for a promising start.
The Texas Rangers switched up their roster so much during the offseason that they will probably need some time to start playing well together if they even do that this season. Last year the Rangers finished with a 60-102 record including a desperate 24-57 reload record. The last time Texas won in Toronto was in 2019 and that series will not be swapped tonight. The Rangers have lost 40 of the last 57 first games in a series and have won only 15 of the last 64 road games.
Marko’s MLB Pick: Toronto Blue Jays (-184)
Houston Astros @ Los Angeles Angels – 9:38PM ET
This American League West matchup is going to be a good one as the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels will be playing game two of their opening series. In the first game it was the Houston Astros who got the victory.
Tony Battalio
Despite losing George Springer and now Carlos Correa the Houston Astros are still very much the favorite to win the American League pennant this season. They are also still a top favorite to take home the World Series as well. This team doesn’t seem to rebuild, they just reload from season to season. However, it’s also fair to say they will have a much tougher time this season as the American League West will be the toughest it’s been in years. With the rise of the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, and Los Angeles Angels they will have to play better than they have in the last couple of years.
The Los Angeles Angels are a team that is loaded with spectacular talent and arguably 3 of the top 20 players in baseball. With Trout, Rendon, and Ohtani this team should be very competitive this season, in the past they just haven’t seemed to be able to piece it all together. However, I expect this season to be much different. Taking the mound for game two for the Halo’s is Reid Detmers. As for the result of this game I have the Angels getting the win in this one.
Tony’s MLB Pick: LA Angels (-106)
Jeffery Thomas
This is a matchup of two of the best teams in the AL West and game 2 of what will be a fun 4-game series at home for the Angels. The Angels rely a lot more on their top guys like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani to be the offense and not much else at the bottom of the lineup. That means if they’re having an off night it’s going to be a struggle to get wins, whereas the Houston Astros have a loaded lineup from top to bottom and can afford a couple off nights from guys.
At a coin flip price I think we are once again getting good value on the much better roster as far as construction and Jake Odorizzi is the far more trustworthy pitcher in this matchup. I think Houston gets this done against an Angels team that I have to see more from before I can back them against the better teams in the league.
Jeffery’s MLB Pick: Houston Astros (-110)
Marko Nadin
The Los Angeles Angels have two of the best players in the league in Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout and there is no excuse if they do not get close to the World Series this season. This will be the second game of this series with the Astros winning the first one by 3-1. The Angels will start Reid Detmers in the second one who is only in his second season in the league and his last season’s performance was not very impressive since he went 1-3 with 7.40 ERA.
The Astros, on the other hand, will have Jake Odorizzi on the moud who is much more experienced since he is starting his 11th season in the league. Odorizzi was 6-7 last season with a 4.21 ERA. The Angels have lost 12 of their last 17 games and 11 of their last 13 home games. The Astros have won 13 of their last 16 games with the total set at 11.0 or higher and 16 of their last 21 games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
Marko’s MLB Pick: Houston Astros (-110)
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*Odds and spreads correct at time of publication, courtesy of FanDuel.
