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

Friday’s baseball slate features 15 games on the schedule with every team in action. We have many interesting matchups on tap as we dive into 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, 5/2

Our MLB Best Bets Today start with an American League matchup between the Cleveland Guardians and Toronto Blue Jays. Which of these playoff contenders will begin the weekend with a victory?  

We’ll also dive into the AL East matchup between the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees. Check out the MLB predictions to make as you enjoy Friday’s baseball action. 

Guardians vs. Blue Jays Predictions: Friday, May 2nd

The Toronto Blue Jays just won two of three games against the Red Sox to break their recent losing spell. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians took three of four against the Twins in a tight divisional series. The Jays and Guardos start up their weekend matchups with an interesting Friday night tilt. 

Blue Jays starter Chris Bassitt is off to a strong start this season. He has a 2.62 ERA and 2.33 FIP through six outings while boasting some impressive advanced metrics. The right-hander has a 4.9% walk rate (86th MLB percentile), 33.3% chase rate (88th), and 34.4% hard-hit rate (77th). That’s an ideal combination to be effective. 

After allowing four runs in back-to-back starts, Bassitt should rebound at home here. He’s allowed only one run over 11 home innings thus far. The veteran will also face a Cleveland offense that’s struggled against right-handed pitching lately. Over the past week vs. righties, the Guardians have a ..291 wOBA (26th in MLB), 89 wRC+ (23rd), and .228 batting average (25th). 

On the other side, Bassitt should get some run support from the Jays’ hitters against Cleveland starter Logan Allen. The left-hander has a 4.21 ERA this season while his 4.57 xERA and 4.19 FIP aren’t any better. He’s struggled in his two toughest matchups this season, including seven runs allowed to Boston last time out. 

Meanwhile, Toronto is a top-tier offense against left-handed pitching this season. The Blue Jays have a .338 wOBA (5th), 122 wRC+ (5th), 11.7% walk rate (4th), and 20.8% K rate (6th) vs. lefties this season. This lineup will make Allen work in a tough road spot. 

Finally, the situational spot favors Toronto tonight. The Guardians just won in extra innings yesterday in a game that featured two separate rain delays totaling 2+ hours. The victory also came against the division-rival Twins, no less. Plus, this is Cleveland’s first road trip in nearly two weeks following a 10-game homestand. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays will be playing their second straight home series while playing with confidence after a big series win over Boston. 

  • Expert Guardians vs. Blue Jays Picks:
    • Blue Jays Moneyline (-160 on BetMGM Sportsbook)
    • Blue Jays 1st 5 Innings -0.5 Runline (-115 on BetMGM Sportsbook)
 

 

Rays vs. Yankees Predictions: Friday, May 2nd

When the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays met last month, the visiting Yanks won three of four games. Of course, those games were played at Steinbrenner Field (New York’s Spring Training facility). So, advantage Yankees? Now the AL East rivals start up a three-game weekend series up north. 

Yankees starter Max Fried has been dominant this season with a 1.19 ERA and 1.04 WHIP through six starts. He’s allowed two earned runs or fewer in every outing, including four straight quality starts entering tonight. Fried shut out the Rays over 7.2 innings two weeks ago and can easily replicate that performance. 

Tampa Bay has one of the league’s worst offenses against left-handed pitching this season. The Rays have a .197 batting average (29th in MLB), .264 wOBA (27th), .574 OPS (28th), and 72 wRC+ (24th) vs. lefties. Over the past two weeks, they have a league-worst .207 wOBA and .150 BA against southpaws. 

Meanwhile, Rays starter Ryan Pepiot brings in a 4.24 ERA and 1.38 WHIP into this matchup. The right-hander has allowed eight home runs in his past five starts and sports a 5.27 FIP thios year. His .263 xBA (34th percentile) and 10.0% barrel rate (31st) are also worrisome advanced metrics. 

Pepiot will face a Yankees offense that’s elite both at home and against right-handed pitching. New York’s .384 wOBA and 153 wRC+ at home this year both lead the majors. Against right-handed pitching, the Yanks have a .357 wOBA (2nd) and 133 wRC+ (1st). Over the past week, they’re crushing the righty split with a .398 wOBA, 163 wRC+, and .247 ISO. 

The pitching matchup and respective offenses both point to the Yankees winning comfortably. Let’s back them to cover the full-game runline. Plus, bet the over on New York’s team total as the offense gets to Pepiot. 

  • Expert Rays vs. Yankees Picks:
    • Yankees -1.5 Runline (-110 on BetMGM Sportsbook)
    • Yankees Team Total Over 4.5 Runs (-140 on BetMGM Sportsbook)
 

 

Best MLB Player Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 5/2

Â