MLB Best Bets Today, 4/25: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Friday

Welcome into our expert MLB best bets today for this slate of MLB action here at Fantasy Alarm on this Friday, April 25, 2025! Like a struggling pitcher, I got hit around quite a bit in Wednesday's article and while I never like writing that I realize it’s a long season and having winning MLB predictions every day is just not likely.
With that attitude I move into this 15-game slate in MLB tonight which features some great matchups to exploit for our gain! Check out my MLB best bets today below and let’s get back on the money train!
MLB Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 4/25
In addition to the starting month of the season, like seasons past I am advocating that you start the season with half unit wagers on my MLB best bets today as well. Every season is unique and until we get our footing into who these teams and players are this season let’s gamble smart and learn as we go!
In this MLB picks article, you will find a wide array of choices from some Money Lines and to game totals and on occasion some player props! Check out the rationale and if you agree with me make sure to tail and good luck!
Now, let's dive into my expert MLB Best Bets today!
- Season Record: 47-38-0
- Bankroll: +3.1 units
*Follow me on X/Twitter @jwaggs10
Reds vs. Rockies Predictions: Friday, April 25th
If it made good sense, I think I would make MLB best bets against the Rockies every day and while that’s not a good betting practice it will be today! The Reds are out west for a series against Colorado and with Andrew Abbott on the mound tonight it should start off very well.
Abbott has solidified himself as an ace for the Reds over the last couple seasons and he’s off to a great start this year with 2 starts spanning 11 innings pitched and an ERA of just 1.64. He has also struck out 16 batters during that time with just 3 total walks so the K/9 and WHIP are looking very nice.
As for the matchup the Rockies have a team strikeout rate of 28.9% against lefties this season which is the 3rd highest in MLB so the Abbott strikeout prop of 5.5 is very much in play for me.
As for the game itself Kyle Freeland will be pitching for the Rockies and he’s had his issues in Coors Field lately. In 2 starts this season he has an ERA of 6.48 and has allowed opposing teams a batting average of .314. The Reds offense should be able to take advantage of that and score some runs in support of their ace and that has me taking the Reds on the Money Line tonight at a pretty good value.
- Expert Reds vs. Rockies Picks:
- Andrew Abbott (CIN) Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-125 on DraftKings)
- Cincinnati Money Line (-120 on DraftKings)
Marlins vs. Mariners Predictions: Friday, April 25th
Let’s dive into the most lopsided matchup on the slate to cap off our MLB best bets today, shall we? The Marlins are on the road today to start their series out west against the Seattle Mariners and I don’t think it's going to go well for the fish.
The Marlins are scoring about 4.13 runs per game on the road this season, which is pretty much league average, but they’ll be facing Logan Gilbert on the mound and that’s bad news!
Gilbert has been near dominant in his 5 starts this season going over 27.1 total innings and allowing just 8 runs and 18 hits over that span. He has also collected 41 strikeouts total, and the Marlins are 3rd in MLB in strikeout rate against right handed pitchers.
They do have a good BABIP mark at .310 but I see them struggling to put the ball in play today against Gilbert. His swing and miss stuff is nasty but the line of over 8.5 strikeouts may be a bit much. Instead, I will take the Marlins to go under 4.5 hits against the Seattle ace which is more palatable.
Cal Quantrill will start on the opposite side of the mound in this game and he’s been a train wreck this season. The Mariners do strike out a bunch against lefties, but Quantrill just isn’t that kind of pitcher with just 8 strikeouts over 17.1 innings pitched.
The Mariners are also 11th in team BABIP against the southpaws hitting .298 so if he can’t get the punchouts it's going to be a long night. I like Seattle to win and cover this game on the Run Line tonight in what should not be a close game at all.
- Expert Marlins vs. Mariners Picks:
- Logan Gilbert (SEA) Under 4.5 Hits Allowed (-120 on DraftKings)
- Seattle Run Line -1.5 (-125 on DraftKings)
Best MLB Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 4/25
- Texas Rangers Money Line (-105 on ESPN Bet)
- Boston Red Sox vs. Cleveland Guardians Over 8.5 Runs (-135 on BetMGM)
- Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Under 3.5 Runs 1st 5 Innings (-115 on DraftKings)
- Brent Rooker (ATH) Over 1.5 Hits/Runs/RBIs (-150 on BetMGM)
Want more ways to win on the diamond? Check out our daily MLB picks, DFS tools, and betting insights.
We’re breaking down every matchup all season long – join the FA Discord and subscribe on YouTube for more.
Player News
Anthony Santander is back in the Blue Jays lineup as a DH against the Rays on Tuesday.
Santander missed three games with a left shoulder bruise sustained Thursday. George Springer, who had DH’d the last four games in a row, is playing right field tonight.
Tuesday’s game between the Twins and Orioles was rained out and will made up as part of a doubleheader Wednesday.
Simeon Woods Richardson and Cade Povich were slated to start for the two teams tonight. They’ll be needed on Wednesday, when Bailey Ober and Dean Kremer were already scheduled to duel.
Tuesday’s game between the Cardinals and Phillies was rained out and will made up as part of a split-doubleheader Wednesday.
Sonny Gray and Jesús Luzardo were the scheduled starters tonight. They’ll surely pitch tomorrow, probably with Erick Fedde and Aaron Nola also toiling then.
Matt McLain has been dropped to the eighth spot in the Reds lineup Tuesday against the White Sox.
It’s not totally unwarranted, but this is odd timing, given that McLain has a .360 OBP this month after coming in at .266 in April. He is still obviously struggling to hit for average, though. That it’s Santiago Espinal replacing in the second spot tonight seems like a big downgrade, but it’s surely temporary.
Nolan Jones is on the Guardians bench in favor of Will Brennan against a righty on Tuesday.
Brennan is making a second straight start since his callup. The Guardians will be getting Lane Thomas back from the IL either this weekend or early next week, at which point either Brennan or Jhonkensy Noel figures to be demoted. Jones is probably safe himself, since he’s out of options, but he’d be in line to lose much of his playing time if Brennan sticks.
Luis Robert Jr. is starting in center field on Tuesday after missing two games with right knee soreness.
Robert is hitting fourth tonight against lefty Andrew Abbott. Michael A. Taylor remains in the lineup as the right fielder, sending Joshua Palacios to the bench.