The 2024 MLB Postseason rolls on as we dive into the top MLB picks and MLB best bets for Saturday’s games. The NLDS and ALDS matchups get underway today with four games on the schedule. Let’s dive into MLB Best Bets and Props as you enjoy the weekend action!

Our top MLB predictions today feature Royals vs. Yankees picks in their ALDS Game 1 showdown. Plus, we finish up our Saturday baseball betting card with some top MLB props today. Enjoy the weekend baseball as we cash our plays! 

 

 


 

MLB Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 10/5

As always, be sure to shop around for the best Vegas Odds and Lines at different sportsbooks. The odds in this article below are accurate as of this writing. 

Without further ado, let’s check out my MLB best bets and props for Saturday, October 5th.

 

 


 

Kansas City Royals vs. New York Yankees Prediction: Saturday, October 5th

The Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees start up their ALDS matchup with Game 1 on Saturday night. The Royals are coming off their two-game sweep of the Orioles in the Wild Card round while the Yankees begin their postseason after a week off. 

Gerrit Cole starts for New York and he brings in an excellent playoff pedigree. The Yankees’ ace has a 2.93 ERA and 0.95 WHIP through 17 career postseason appearances. This valuable experience cannot go overlooked for a dominant pitcher like Cole, who’s been very consistent recently. The right-hander had a 2.25 ERA and 2.62 FIP over his last 10 regular season starts. He also allowed 2 runs or fewer in 12 of 17 outings this year. 

Cole will face a Kansas City offense that’s struggled against right-handed pitching since the beginning of September (.278 wOBA, 75 wRC+, .219 BA). The Royals scored only 3 combined runs in two games against Baltimore last round and they’re averaging just 2.1 runs per game over the past 15 contests. Outside of Bobby Witt, the KC lineup isn’t a scary matchup.

Meanwhile, Michael Wacha and the Kansas City pitching staff can limit New York’s offense as well. Wacha boasts a 2.79 ERA since the All-Star break and a 2.96 ERA over his past 8 starts. Plus, the Royals’ bullpen has been lights-out lately with a 2.77 ERA and 2.73 FIP since the beginning of September. If Wacha and the pen can survive the Aaron Judge and Juan Soto at-bats, the Yankees’ lineup is very beatable. 

Grab the under for the full game and first five innings. The Royals play in a ton of low-scoring games with their underwhelming offense and strong relief corps. The under has cashed in 19 of the past 24 games for Kansas City, including 11 of the past 13. 

Expert Royals vs. Yankees MLB Picks

  • Under 8 Total Runs (-118 DraftKings Sportsbook)
  • 1st 5 Innings Under 4.5 Runs (-145 DraftKings Sportsbook)

 

 


 

Best MLB Player Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 10/5