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

Thursday’s baseball slate is a smaller one with just six games on the schedule. Even so, we have plenty of ways to go for our top MLB picks and predictions. Let’s focus on two games for our MLB best bets today before dishing out a few baseball player props to consider. 

Keep in mind, some of these 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, 5/15

Our MLB Best Bets Today start with an AL West showdown between the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers. The starting pitching matchup of Hunter Brown vs. Jacob deGrom will be must-see TV to lead off our MLB picks. 

We’ll also dive into an interleague matinee game between the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds. Check out the MLB predictions to make as you enjoy Thursday’s baseball action. 

 

 


 

Astros vs. Rangers Predictions: Thursday, May 15th

Two of the top AL Cy Young contenders go toe-to-toe tonight as the Texas Rangers host the Houston Astros. In this divisional rivalry game, we have Hunter Brown vs. Jacob deGrom in a potential pitchers’ duel. Let’s lean right into that for our MLB picks by rooting on a low-scoring game. 

Brown is having a dominant season for Houston with a 1.48 ERA and 0.90 WHIP through eight starts. He boasts a 1.85 FIP and many elite advanced stats, headlined by a 32.0% K rate (92nd percentile) and 27.5% hard-hit rate (97th). Brown is rolling lately with a 0.98 ERA and 1.6 FIP over his last six outings. 

Even on the road today, Brown can keep it going. The Rangers are a bottom-tier offense at home this year with a .290 wOBA (27th in MLB) and 85 wRC+ (23rd). They’re also just league-average vs. right-handers over the past two weeks. Meanwhile, Brown owns a solid 3.09 ERA in six career starts against Texas. 

On the other side, Jacob deGrom is looking more like the guy who was previously the best pitcher in baseball. The Rangers’ starter has a 2.72 ERA and 1.02 WHIP this season, including a 1.91 ERA and 33:4 K:BB ratio across his last five outings. He boasts some elite metrics with a 32.9% whiff rate (91st percentile), .211 xBA (81st), and 5.9% walk rate (82nd). 

In 11 career starts at Globe Life Field, deGrom has an impressive 2.48 ERA. That includes a 1.88 ERA in five home starts this season. He’ll take on a Houston offense that’s been subpar on the road (.287 wOBA, 83 wRC+). This is a spot where deGrom can handle an up-and-down lineup. 

Grab the full game under for this AL West clash. Brown and deGrom will anchor things early, but we also have two upper-tier bullpens involved. Houston’s relief corps has a league-best 3.00 FIP this year, while Texas has a 3.61 FIP as pen (8th). 

 

 


 

White Sox vs. Reds Predictions: Thursday, May 15th

The Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds wrap up their three-game series with a Thursday matinee matchup. After the visiting Sox won the series opener, they took yesterday’s game as well. Let’s bank on Cincinnati responding at home today to avoid the sweep. 

Before we get into any matchup specifics, it’s worth noting how bad the White Sox have been this year – despite their current three-game win streak. They’re now 14-29 overall and 5-17 on the road. Nine of those 17 road losses have come by 2+ runs as well.

Reds starter Nick Martinez has a shaky 4.23 ERA this season, but he’s been much more effective lately. The right-hander boasts a 2.66 ERA and 2.09 FIP across his last four starts. Martinez’s season-long 3.35 FIP and .323 BABIP also suggest some positive regression. Plus, his current 5.9% walk rate (82nd percentile) and 36.5% hard-hit rate (74th) are encouraging. 

Martinez should handle a weak Chicago lineup today. The White Sox are especially terrible against right-handed pitching this season with a .284 wOBA (30th in MLB), 80 wRC+ (28th), and .215 batting average (30th). Over the past week vs. righties, the Sox have a .260 wOBA, 63 wRC+, and .202 BA. 

On the other side, Chicago starter Bryse Wilson doesn’t offer much confidence. He has a 4.88 ERA and 1.73 WHIP overall this season with a 4.38 ERA across his three starts. Wilson has a 5.32 ERA in his career as a starter, including a 4.75 ERA in nine starts last year. Although the Cincy offense has mostly undwerwhelmed this season, this is a juicy matchup at home. 

Let’s back the Reds to cover the runline in a semi-comfortable win. Plus, they should lead after the first five innings based on the starting pitching matchup. 

 

 


 

Best MLB Player Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 5/15

 

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