The 2026 MLB campaign is here, which means all 30 baseball teams have hope entering the new season.
However, MLB odds force some ballclubs to face reality. And the betting lines for opening day help show everyone how teams will fare heading into the new season.
Here’s a look at the updated baseball odds for the first set of games, starting with a matchup between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants on Wednesday before a full slate on Thursday.
MLB Opening Day Odds 2026
| Away Team | Moneyline odds | Home Team | Moneyline odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Yankees | -120 | San Francisco Giants | +100 |
| Los Angeles Angels | +150 | Houston Astros | -185 |
| Washington Nationals | +185 | Chicago Cubs | -225 |
| Chicago White Sox | +165 | Milwaukee Brewers | -200 |
| Minnesota Twins | +120 | Baltimore Orioles | -145 |
| Texas Rangers | +125 | Philadelphia Phillies | -150 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | +105 | New York Mets | -125 |
| Boston Red Sox | -160 | Cincinnati Reds | +135 |
| Arizona Diamondbacks | +200 | Los Angeles Dodgers | -250 |
| Detroit Tigers | -140 | San Diego Padres | +118 |
| Tampa Bay Rays | -125 | St. Louis Cardinals | +105 |
| Athletics | +155 | Toronto Blue Jays | -190 |
| Colorado Rockies | +140 | Miami Marlins | -165 |
| Kansas City Royals | +125 | Atlanta Braves | -150 |
| Cleveland Guardians | +140 | Seattle Mariners | -165 |
MLB Opening Day Picks & Predictions: Thursday, March 26
- Rays ML (-115) vs. Cardinals
Rays ML (-115) vs. Cardinals
The Tampa Bay Rays open as -115 road favorites in a matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals on opening day at Busch Stadium on March 26. I like the value of the road team in this spot as my favorite Rays vs. Cardinals prediction.
Based on the latest MLB win totals, both the Rays and Cardinals are below .500 teams. However, being below .500 in the American League East is not the same as having a losing record in the National League Central.
The Cardinals are in rebuild mode, especially after trading away Sonny Gray and Brendan Donovan. According to RosterResource, St. Louis’ depth chart has a total projected WAR of 32.1 for the upcoming season, while Tampa Bay’s squad has a mark of 38.
The gap between these two teams could seem even larger when starting pitchers are announced for opening day. Right now, Matthew Liberatore and Dustin May are near the top of the Cardinals’ rotation. Drew Rasmussen and Ryan Pepiot lead the Rays’ staff.
According to OOPSY’s projections (available at FanGraphs), here is the projected FIP for all four hurlers in 2026:
- Liberatore 4.48
- May 4.33
- Rasmussen 3.53
- Pepiot 3.98
Basically, I wouldn’t be surprised if these odds move in Tampa Bay’s favor after starters are revealed.
Pick: Rays ML -115
MLB Betting Lines at the Sportsbook
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