The 2026 MLB season rolls with another full slate of games. Let’s dive into the MLB Best Bets Today for Saturday, May 2nd. We have a loaded day of baseball on tap and plenty of ways to go for our MLB picks. Enjoy these MLB predictions as you lock in your own bets ahead of today’s games. Note that all odds and betting lines are accurate as of this writing, but are always subject to change. 

MLB Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 5/2

Our MLB best bets today begin with an NL Central divisional matchup as the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Cincinnati Reds. Plus, our MLB picks feature a late-night interleague battle between the New York Mets and Los Angeles Angels. Check out even more MLB predictions below, including some player props and other game picks. Good luck! 

 

 

 

Reds vs. Pirates Prediction: Saturday, May 2nd

The Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates were heading in opposite directions ahead of this weekend’s series. The Pirates had lost five straight and just suffered a four-game sweep at home to St. Louis. Meanwhile, Cincinnati was 11-4 over its past 15 games and boasts one of the best overall records in baseball. 

Pittsburgh won the series opener on Friday night with a convincing 9-1 victory. However, let’s back Cincy to even things up on Saturday with a few key edges in the Reds’ favor. 

Pirates starter Carmen Mlodzinski has a 4.13 ERA and 1.45 WHIP over six outings this season. He’s been particularly shaky lately, allowing five runs to both the Brewers and Rangers in back-to-back starts. Some of the right-hander’s advanced metrics are concerning, including a very high 55.4% hard-hit rate (bottom-2% of MLB) and a low 19.8% whiff rate (bottom-16%). 

Mlodzinski could be in for a rough outing against Cincinnati today. The Reds boast one of the top offenses against right-handed pitching recently. Over the past week, they have a league-best .420 wOBA and 164 wRC+ in the split. The lineup also has a .360 wOBA and 123 wRC+ vs. righties over the past two weeks. Plus, Cincy is averaging 6.1 runs over the past 11 games. 

On the other side, Reds starter Rhett Lowder can keep the Pittsburgh lineup quiet. The right-hander has a solid 3.18 ERA over six starts this season, and his 2.93 FIP is even better. He’s also allowed two runs or fewer in four of his six outings thus far. 

Lowder will now face an offense that’s been struggling mightily against right-handed pitching lately. Over the past two weeks, the Pirates have had a .283 wOBA and 73 wRC+ (both 29th in MLB) vs. righties. It’s a nice matchup for Lowder to post another good start and anchor a Cincinnati victory, while the Reds stay competitive early on as well. 

 

 

 

Mets vs. Angels Prediction: Saturday, May 2nd

Saturday’s late-night slate brings us an intriguing starting pitching matchup on the West Coast. We have Nolan McLean starting for the New York Mets, while Reid Detmers toes the rubber for the Los Angeles Angels. Count on both arms showing up for a good, old-fashioned pitchers’ duel as we bank on a low-scoring game. 

McLean is off to a strong start this season, boasting a 2.55 ERA and 0.85 WHIP over his first six outings. His 2.26 FIP and 2.28 xERA are also very encouraging. The young right-hander owns an elite 33.3% strikeout rate (top-5% of MLB) with a .188 expected batting average allowed (top 8%). He’s also allowed two runs or fewer in five of his six starts thus far. 

This is dominant stuff from McLean, and the Mets’ rising star can keep it going tonight. The Angels have been below average against right-handed pitching over the past two weeks, with a .304 wOBA and 89 wRC+ (22nd and 23rd in MLB, respectively). Los Angeles also has one of the worst home offenses this year, with a .286 wOBA (26th) and 75 wRC+ (29th). 

Meanwhile, Detmers can also have success against the New York lineup. The Angels’ left-hander has just a 4.28 ERA so far, but his 2.93 xERA and 3.22 FIP suggest positive regression. He’s had some shaky outings, though he has also looked dominant in others. Today’s matchup could lead to one of those better performances. 

The Mets have poor numbers against southpaws this season, with a .283 wOBA (26th in MLB) and 79 wRC+ (24th) in the split. They’ve also been even worse vs. lefties over the past two weeks, with a .269 wOBA and 67 wRC+. Furthermore, the New York offense has struggled on the road this year (.287 wOBA, 78 wRC+). It’s an ideal time for Detmers to trend back up. 

Let’s grab the under for both the full game and the first five innings. Last night’s series opener was a low-scoring contest, with the Mets earning a 4-3 victory. The under has now cashed in six of the last seven home games for Los Angeles, and in five of the last seven road games for New York. 

 

 

 

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