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

Sunday’s MLB slate is another loaded one with 15 games on the baseball schedule. With all 30 teams in action, 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, 8/31

Our MLB Best Bets Today start with a divisional matchup as the Kansas City Royals host Tarik Skubal and the Detroit Tigers. Plus, we break down an AL West showdown between the Texas Rangers and Athletics. Don’t miss more MLB picks and player props below. Check out these MLB predictions to make as you enjoy Sunday’s baseball action. 
 

 

 

Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals Predictions: Sunday, August 31st

The Kansas City Royals are still alive for the third AL Wild Card spot. They sit 3 games back heading into Sunday’s big matchup against the divisional rival Detroit Tigers. Of course, KC will have to get past Tarik Skubal today. Yet, there’s some value in backing the home Royals in this spot. 

There’s no denying how good Skubal has been this season. He owns a 2.28 ERA and 0.87 WHIP while looking unhittable more often than not. Lately, though, the Tigers’ ace has shown some cracks. He’s sporting a 3.95 FIP over his past 4 starts and he just allowed 6 runs to the Athletics last time out. He’s also coughed up 6 home runs over his past 5 starts. 

Skubal is still striking out a ton of opposing hitters and can easily post a scoreless outing on any given day. However, the Royals have given him trouble in the past. He has a career 4.38 ERA in 17 outings vs. Kansas City, including a 3.81 ERA over his past 5 starts against the AL Central foes. 

As for KC, this offense has been tough on left-handed pitchers recently. Over the past two weeks vs. lefties, the Royals have a .341 wOBA, 116 wRC+, .284 BA, and just a 19.5% K rate. It won’t be a cakewalk for Skubal, who’s allowed 12 total runs over his past 3 road starts.

On the other side, Michael Wacha comes in pitching well. The Royals’ starter has a 2.45 ERA and 2.95 FIP over his past 8 starts, with 2 or fewer runs allowed in 7 of those. The veteran has found a rhythym after an up-and-down first few months of the season. 

Wacha also boasts a 2.92 ERA across 9 career starts vs. Detroit. That includes a quality start against the Tigers last weekend and 7 shutout innings at home in this matchup earlier this season. On that note, the righty owns a 2.71 ERA and 2.98 FIP at home this year. 

Bank on Wacha to limit a Tigers offense that’s struggled vs. right-handed pitching lately. Over the past week in the split, Detroit has a .213 batting average, .293 wOBA, and 27.3% K rate. It’s an exploitable lineup right now, and Wacha has the stuff with his current form. 

 

 

 

Texas Rangers vs. Athletics Predictions: Sunday, August 31st

After a string of losses earlier this month, the Texas Rangers are rolling lately. They’re 7-1 in the past 8 games and climbing up the AL Wild Card standings. Let’s back Texas today as they take on the Athletics in a divisional matchup. 

Jacob deGrom starts for the Rangers, which is usually a good thing. The veteran owns a 2.79 ERA and 0.93 WHIP this season. Despite some shaky outings over the last month, he’s gotten back on track with a 2.70 ERA over his past 3 starts. 

Today’s matchup is a favorable one for deGrom. Over the past week against right-handed pitching, the Athletics have a .278 wOBA (25th in MLB), 72 wRC+ (25th), and 27.1% K rate (22nd). Plus, deGrom has already dominated the A’s, boasting a 1.56 ERA and 22:1 K:BB ratio in 3 starts against them this year. 

On the other side, Athletics starter J.T. Ginn brings in a 4.96 ERA and 4.79 FIP this season. That includes a 6.48 ERA and 6.33 FIP at home. The right-hander has also been roughed up lately, with a 7.17 ERA over his past 5 starts. 

Now Ginn has to face a Rangers offense that’s crushing righties right now. Over the past two weeks in the split, Texas has a .371 wOBA (4th in MLB), 140 wRC+ (4th), .302 BA (3rd), .199 ISO (6th), and 17.9% K rate (4th). It’s a very tough spot for the Athletics’ young pitcher. 

This should be a comfortable victory for the Rangers. They’ve outscored the Athletics 14-5 in the first two games of this series and can keep it going today. 

 

 

 

Best MLB Player Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 8/31

 

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