Welcome back to another round of MLB Best Bets Today as the 2025 baseball season rolls on. 

Monday’s MLB slate features 11 games on the baseball schedule. There are plenty of ways to go for our MLB picks and predictions. Let’s focus on two games for our MLB best bets today before dishing out a few baseball player props and other picks to consider. 

The MLB picks below are accurate as of this writing, but some odds or lines could move before first pitch. All bets below are for one unit unless otherwise noted. Without further ado, let’s dive into our MLB Best Bets Today.

MLB Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 9/8

Our MLB Best Bets Today start with a matchup between the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves. Plus, the Cleveland Guardians host the Kansas City Royals as the two divisional rivals battle it out in the AL Wild Card race. Don’t miss more MLB picks and player props below. Check out these MLB predictions to make as you enjoy Monday’s baseball action. 

 

 


 

Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta Braves Predictions: Monday, September 8th

Let’s break down a game between one team in the thick of the NL Wild Card race, taking on another that’s been out of it for a while. The Chicago Cubs look to maintain their lead atop the Wild Card standings as they visit the Atlanta Braves this week. Monday’s game could be on the high-scoring side. 

Cubs starter Shota Imanaga has a solid 3.15 ERA and 0.93 WHIP this season. He’s regularly been effective, but also flirting with rough outings at the same time. The left-hander’s 4.58 FIP and 4.57 xGIP suggest negative regression. Plus, he’s sporting a 4.31 ERA and 4.93 FIP over his past 8 starts and a 4.77 FIP over his past 5 starts. 

Imanaga now faces a Braves offense that’s crushing left-handed pitching recently. Over the past two weeks vs. lefties, Atlanta has a .359 wOBA (6th in MLB), 131 wRC+ (7th), .306 BA (5th), and .835 OPS (6th). Plus, Imanaga just faced this lineup last week and allowed 3 runs over 6 innings. It was a decent outing, but this rematch should favor the Braves, having just seen him. 

Meanwhile, Atlanta starter Bryce Elder is tough to trust on the other side. Yes, he’s looked good in his past few starts. Yet, the right-hander still owns a 5.54 ERA and 1.43 WHIP on the year. He also has a 5.37 ERA over 9 starts since the All-Star break. 

Elder’s 6.98 home ERA is a big worry. That includes 4+ runs allowed in 5 of his last 7 home starts coming into this one. Today, he’ll face a Cubs offense that’s been above-average vs. righties over the past two weeks (.324 wOBA, 110 wRC+). 

Let’s take the over for the full game. Both offenses should get to Imanaga and Elder enough to get into the bullpens earlier. In that case, Atlanta and Chicago’s relievers have a 6.99 ERA and 5.36 ERA over the past two weeks, respectively.  

 

 

 

Kansas City Royals vs. Cleveland Guardians Predictions: Monday, September 8th

The Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians are separated by just half a game in the AL Wild Card standings as they start up a crucial four-game series tonight. This week’s matchup could go a long way in determining which team stays relevant in the playoff race. Let’s break down Monday’s opener. 

Royals starter Ryan Bergert boasts an impressive 2.61 ERA and 0.99 WHIP this season. He’s especially been pitching well since joining Kansas City at the trade deadline. The right-hander owns a 2.43 ERA over six starts with the Royals so far. He’s also allowed fewer than 3 earned runs in 8 straight starts now. 

Bergert can keep it going today in a favorable matchup. Cleveland has the MLB’s worst offense against right-handed pitching over the past month, with a .259 wOBA and 63 wRC+ that are both dead last. Over the past two weeks vs. righties, the Guardians have a .264 wOBA (30th) and 66 wRC+ (29th). 

Meanwhile, it’s worth fading Cleveland starter Slade Cecconi. He’s been up and down all season with a 4.78 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. He just coughed up 7 runs on 11 hits to the Red Sox last time out, and owns a poor 8.28 ERA over his past 5 starts. 

Cecconi is rocking a 5.37 ERA and 5.66 FIP at home this year. Another shaky home start might be coming today. The Royals are about league-average vs. righties over the past two weeks (.314 wOBA, 97 wRC+). The lineup has taken advantage of pitchers in the right matchups, though. 

There’s value in Kansas City on the road in this series opener. Back the visiting Royals to get the win with the pitching and offensive edge today. 

 

 


 

Best MLB Player Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 9/8

 

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