MLB Wild Card Series Odds, Predictions & MLB Picks for Each Matchup 10/03

As the MLB postseason kicks off on Tuesday, the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers are the top favorites for the World Series title.

Teams victorious in the best-of-three wild-card rounds will proceed to the division series, where the leading teams from both the American and National Leagues, having had byes, await them.

With an impressive regular-season record of 104-58, the Braves are the top bet. Meanwhile, the Dodgers, with a 100-62 record, witnessed a slight boost in their odds, moving to +410 from last week's +430.

The reigning World Series champions, the Houston Astros, climbed the odds ladder in the closing week, winning their final four games and surpassing the Texas Rangers. This victory marked their fourth consecutive AL West Division title.

⭐ Series Pick: Tampa Bay ML (-200)  BetMGM

Both the Texas and Tampa Bay teams find themselves in less-than-ideal playoff positions, having hoped for better outcomes this season. 

The Rays, initially favorites to clinch the AL East after a stellar season start, saw their lead diminish to the Baltimore Orioles. 

Now, they face the formidable Texas team, needing a win to progress to the divisional round. Conversely, Texas dominated the AL West earlier in the season but faltered towards the end, failing to secure their assured spot. 

Bookies predictably favor the Rays in the best-of-three series, given the Wild Card round trend. Bettors should note: the Rays excelled at home with a 53-28 record, tying with LA for the season's most home wins, while Texas underperformed on the road at 40-41. 

This spells a challenging scenario for Texas meaning this could go the distance.

⭐ MLB Best Bet Over 2.5 games (+100) at Bet MGM

⭐ Series Pick: Toronto Blue Jays ML (-138) at Caesars

The Toronto Blue Jays are set to clash with the Minnesota Twins in the 2023 MLB Wild Card playoffs, commencing Game 1 on Tuesday. 

Impressive late-season maneuvers saw the Blue Jays skillfully avoid Tampa Bay in the initial round, positioning themselves as the sixth seed. #They're now slightly underdogs against the Twins. The competition appears closely matched with Toronto boasting 89 wins this season and Minnesota close behind at 87.

Historically, the teams have a playoff past. In 1991, the Twins clinched the World Series, defeating Toronto 4-1 in the ALCS, marking Minnesota's most recent major league championship.

While Minnesota enjoys a home-field advantage, it's likely inconsequential given Toronto's strong 46-35 away record. The Twins recorded a 47-34 home score, making the home-field edge negligible.

The Twins benefit from a longer rest, yet Toronto's Kevin Gausman, having rested since September 26 and boasting a September ERA of 2.43, promises a competitive edge for the Blue Jays.

⭐ MLB Best Bet: Over 2.5 Games (-110) at Caesars

⭐  Series Pick: Milwaukee Brewers (-170) at DraftKings

The rapid pace of the best-of-three Wild Card round means the series could conclude swiftly, with Game one set for Tuesday at 7 PM ET. Although starters are yet to be confirmed, there are some predictions for bettors.

Milwaukee holds a clear advantage. Beyond the home-field edge, they secured their playoff position well before Arizona, granting them more prep time. 

Contrarily, Arizona's recent performance has been inconsistent, with a 4-6 record in their last ten games and a mediocre 15-15 in the last 30. Ace Zac Gallen struggled in September, tallying a 4.17 ERA.

Milwaukee’s pitching roster, however, is promising. Corbin Burnes, Freddy Peralta, and Brandon Woodruff are rested and primed, especially with the latter two exceptionally refreshed. Additionally, Wade Miley, the fourth pitcher, hasn't played since September 27th.

While Arizona previously led 4-2 against Milwaukee this season, those games concluded by June 21st. The Brewers displayed improved form in the subsequent months. 

Home stats heavily favor Milwaukee, boasting a +17 home record against Arizona's mere +1 on the road. Yet, Arizona's weaker end-of-season performance may indicate their momentum for the playoffs.

⭐ MLB Best Bet:  Brewers to win 2-0 (+200) at DraftKings

⭐ Series Pick: Philadelphia Phillies ML (-185) at Bet365

The Wild Card series is set to kick off on Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023, with the Miami Marlins playing against the Philadelphia Phillies in the final of the four scheduled games.

Despite entering August 31st with a losing record, the Marlins shifted gears, finding their rhythm just in time and maintaining it. 

Their playoff entry, particularly after a dip below .500, shows their sheer determination. On the other hand, Philadelphia might have a harder battle than their supporters anticipate. 

The season saw a close 7-6 match-up between the two, indicating that bettors might find better odds with the Marlins.

While Philadelphia's +17 home record might seem significant, especially hosting potentially all three games, Miami's -4 away record can't be disregarded. 

Miami's end-of-season performance, including a sweep against Washington and key wins against Philadelphia, emphasizes their potential resilience in critical matches.

⭐ MLB Best Bet: Phillies to Win 2-1 (+220) at Bet365