Top 3 MLB Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (3/29)
The MLB season is underway. Opening Week action continues with a full 15-game Saturday slate. I've sifted through the matchups and narrowed in on three best bets from today's betting board. Here are my top three MLB bets for Saturday, March 29th.
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Saturday's Best MLB Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Los Angeles Angels (-166) vs. Chicago White Sox (+140) | O/U 8.0 (-118/-102)
Let's pick it up in the Windy City, where the White Sox (1-0) are looking to stay perfect on the year. They'll turn to Jonathan Cannon in this American League clash, while the Angels (0-1) opt for Jose Soriano. First pitch is scheduled for 2:10 p.m. ET from Rate Field in Chicago, IL.
The expectations aren't very high for the White Sox this season, as they posted an all-time worst record of 41-121 last year. They're also just 29th in total payroll ($73.9 million) this campaign. However, with a new coaching staff and a sneakily underrated starting rotation, I think there's going to be some spots to play them as underdogs in 2025.
This is one of those spots, as the Halos are coming off a 63-99 mark last season, which was the fourth-worst in the MLB. Are we sure this team should be a -166 road favorite against anyone? I don't think so.
I'll back Cannon and the Southsiders here. Cannon has faced a trio of Angels in Logan O’Hoppe (0-for-2), Nolan Schanuel (1-for-6) and Taylor Ward (1-for-4), holding them to a combined .167 average (2-for-12). The right-hander logged a 3.86 ERA at home last year, while limiting opponents to a .242 average. Let's take a flier on the White Sox today.
Bet: White Sox Moneyline (+140)
Atlanta Braves (-142) vs. San Diego Padres (+120) | O/U 8.0 (-118/-102)
We have an excellent early-season series in the National League, and it's the Padres (2-0) who are looking to issue the Braves (0-2) their third straight loss out of the gate. Spencer Schwellenbach gets the nod for Atlanta, while San Diego counters with Randy Vasquez. This one gets underway at 7:15 p.m. ET from Petco Park in San Diego, CA.
I'll lay the juice and back the Braves to break into the win column tonight. I was pretty impressed with Schwellenbach in his rookie season, where he posted a 3.35 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and a 9.2 K/9 rate. One of his 21 starts last year was against the Padres - he lasted seven innings while allowing only one earned run in a 6-1 victory. San Diego's current lineup is slashing only .174/.174/.261 against the right-hander.
On the flip side, Atlanta's offense is slashing .282/.333/.462 against Vasquez (4.87 ERA in 2024). That includes a couple of the big guns in Ozzie Albies (3-for-5, one double) and Marcell Ozuna (3-for-6, one home run and two doubles). With the Braves having the offensive edge and a well-rested, top-tier bullpen to lean on in the later innings, I like them to win this one.
Bet: Braves Moneyline (-142)
Chicago Cubs (+102) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (-122) | O/U 8.5 (-120/+100)
The Cubs (1-3) already have four games under their belt with their two-game Tokyo series against the Dodgers in mid-March. They're in the midst of a four-game set with the Diamondbacks (1-1). Tonight's contest features a good pitching matchup between Shota Imanaga and Brandon Pfaadt. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET from Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ.
We have a pair of potent offenses in this one, but I have to take the even-money payout that comes with the under 8.5 runs. This will already be Imanaga's second start of the year. He was lights out against the Dodgers in his home country, holding the champs scoreless and hitless over four innings of work. The left-hander has also found success against the Snakes, limiting their current roster to a slash line of .182/.217/.364 over 22 at-bats.
Meanwhile, Pfaadt just inked a five-year, $45 million extension with Arizona yesterday. I think he's primed to show us why he deserves that contract at home tonight. The right-hander recorded a mediocre 4.71 ERA last season, but he'll take on a Cubs team that's scored three or fewer runs in 75% of their games this season.
They're averaging only 3.75 runs per game so far. Finally, Pfaadt has a great track record against Chicago's lineup, as they're slashing just .170/200/.264 against him over 53 at-bats. Give me the under.
Bet: Under 8.5 Runs (+100)