The 2026 MLB postseason rolls on! Let’s dive into our MLB Best Bets Today for Wednesday, October 7th, with four Divisional Series matchups on deck. We have plenty of ways to go for our MLB picks as you watch the playoffs. Enjoy these MLB predictions, and lock in your own bets ahead of today’s games. All odds and betting lines are accurate as of this writing, but are always subject to change. 

MLB Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 10/7

Our MLB best bets today start with the White Sox hosting the Guardians in ALDS Game 3. Plus, our MLB picks feature the Rays vs. Yankees ALDS Game 3. Check out even more MLB predictions below, including some player props. Good luck! 

 

 

 

Guardians vs. White Sox Prediction: Wednesday, October 7th

Our MLB best bets today start with ALDS Game 3: Cleveland Guardians vs. Chicago White Sox. The Sox have a 2-0 series lead with a chance to clinch at home tonight. Will they get it done, or will Cleveland stay alive? 

Instead of worrying about who wins, let’s look at the total. The first two games of this series were both low-scoring. Chicago won 3-0 in Game 1 and then 4-3 in Game 2. This third matchup projects to the under as well, with both pitching staffs having the edge. 

Both teams are actually using openers in their respective bullpen games today. Cleveland will roll with right-hander Daniel Espino, while Chicago will opt for left-hander Sean Newcomb. Neither will likely pitch more than 2 innings before giving way to bulk pitchers or other matchup-based relievers. 

This strategy for both sides should keep the scoring low. The Guardians may go with Joey Cantillo as their bulk arm behind Espino. He thrived in this role late in the season, with 3 straight scoreless outings of 15 combined innings. The southpaw also owns a 2.75 ERA over his past 8 appearances. Tanner Bibee and Foster Griffin are bulk options out of the pen, too.

On the other side, Newcomb was very effective as an opener this season, posting a 0.84 ERA in his 6 starts. The lefty will help neutralize Steven Kwan, Jose Ramirez, and Chase DeLauter at the top of Cleveland’s lineup. Behind Newcomb, the White Sox could use Davis Martin for bulk or just roll with a true bullpen game. 

No matter the pitching plans for both teams, the parade of relievers and the elimination game setting should keep scoring at a minimum. Cleveland and Chicago both had top-10 bullpens this season. Plus, both pens are well-rested after an off day, so expect all the high-leverage arms to be a factor. 

Rays vs. Yankees Prediction: Wednesday, October 7th

The Tampa Bay Rays hold a 2-0 advantage ahead of this ALDS Game 3 matchup with the New York Yankees. The series now shifts to New York, and the Yanks have left-hander Max Fried on the mound. There’s value on the Yankees to cover the runlines for both the full game and first 5 innings. 

Fried was excellent in his Wild Card start against the Red Sox, tossing 6 innings of one-run ball with 6 strikeouts. This continues a strong run of outings for the Yankees’ southpaw. He also posted a 2.09 ERA over his final 8 regular-season starts. 

Meanwhile, the Rays struggled to hit left-handed pitching towards the end of the season. In the final two weeks, Tampa had a .287 wOBA and 81 wRC+ vs. lefties (both 24th in MLB). Plus, the Rays’ hitters have a collective .179 batting average against Fried in their careers. 

On the other side, we should see the Yankees’ bats finally come alive after being limited in the first two games on the road. This same offense scored 18 runs across the two Wild Card wins at home. Even without Aaron Judge, the New York lineup tends to wake up in its friendly confines. 

Nick Martinez gets the start for Tampa Bay. The right-hander had an impressive season, but he’s also struggled over the past month. He posted a 4.24 ERA over his final 9 starts and a 3.90 ERA over his last 6 outings. Plus, if the Yankees jump him early, it could be a shorter outing. 

Let’s take the Yankees to cover the -1.5 runline en route to the victory. For context, 8 of New York’s last 10 home postseason wins came by multiple runs. Fried should also anchor the lead after 5 innings. 

 

 

 

Best MLB Player Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 9/30