Welcome to tonight’s MLB best bets for this slate of MLB action here at Fantasy Alarm on this Tuesday, August 19th, 2025! I am back for a new week, and I can’t wait to dive into things with a full 15-game slate to unpack! I have quite the handful of wagers to check out, so read into them below, and good luck!

In this MLB Best Bets Today article, you will find a wide array of choices from some Money Lines 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: 238-163-5
  • Bankroll: +37.6 units

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MLB Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 8/19

Rangers vs. Royals Predictions

Big time matchup in the American League Wild Card race as the Royals took the first game against the visiting Rangers in a close one and will now do battle again. Good matchup on the mound between Merrill Kelly and Seth Lugo, so let’s jump in. 

The first thing that sticks out to me is that the Rangers are slumping a bit right now as losers in 8 of the last 10 games, and they’ve fallen back under .500 on the year. Kelly would normally give this mediocre offense a boost, but he hasn’t quite settled in for the team just yet. In 3 starts and 16 innings pitched, he’s allowed 8 earned runs and walked 6 batters. His strikeouts are also average at 15 during that time frame. This could be a big issue tonight as the Royals have a K-rate of just 19% since August 1st, and their team ISO is climbing to .192! I think they will hit around Kelly a bit tonight, so I will take the under on his strikeout prop at 4.5. 

In addition to the prop, I like the Royals to win tonight on the Money Line as they’ve been a solid home team and, as already mentioned, the Rangers are in a rut. Seth Lugo has had a tough August, but he is due for a correction on the mound, and the Royals' offense will back him up as well.  

 

 

 

Mets vs. Nationals Predictions

Between the Mets and Nationals, nobody is having a good time this August, but regardless, there’s some money to be made in betting this game!

David Peterson and Jake Irvin will square off tonight, and that opens that game up to some potential offense. Peterson, who is normally rock solid, has been getting blown up as he has a 7.04 ERA over his last 3 starts while allowing 14 hits and 9 walks over the last 15.1 innings pitched. The Nationals are close to league average when it comes to BABIP and ISO against lefties as well, so they could do some damage. 

I am more concerned for Jake Irvin today, though, who has allowed 14 earned runs over the last 13.1 innings pitched, along with 23 hits and 6 walks! This guy is all over the place, and the Mets, despite all their losing, can still hit just fine with a .301 BABIP since August 1st and a team ISO of .197, which is 4th in MLB right now. This matchup just has over on the game total written all over it! 

On top of the total, I want to add a player prop on the Mets side as Irvin has struggled against lefty hitting this season, so let’s tack on some love for Francisco Lindor! The New York shortstop is hitting .560 with a 1.647 OPS over the past week and looks to be unstoppable with 3 home runs and 14 total hits! He is hitting lead off in front of some big-time sluggers as well, so let’s take the over on his hits/runs/RBIs!


 

 


 

Best MLB Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 8/19

 

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