Get free expert and computer MLB picks for every game on May 18, 2026. With over 25 years of betting experience, our analysts and predictive models help you find the best value.
TOR
@
NYY
Mon, May 18 • 7:05 PM ET
Kazuma Okamoto o0.5 Total Home Runs (+425)
Kazuma Okamoto has a team-high 10 home runs, while ranking in the 95th percentile in hard-hit rate.
The Jays slugger owns a .295 average and a .636 xSLG against the four-seam fastball, which is Ryan Weathers’ most used pitch against right-handed batters
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. o1.5 Total Bases (+125)
Despite a prolonged slump, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s bat was never going to stay silent for too long, and he busted out with a two-hit game on Sunday, including a home run. While he may not go deep tonight, he measures up well against Ryan Weathers and his fastball-heavy approach.
BOS
@
KC
Mon, May 18 • 7:10 PM ET
o9.0 (-105)
The Royals trail only the Yankees in OPS vs. righties while ranking first in both hard hit rate and FB% at home. That's a huge plus when playing in a hitter-friendly ballpark – especially on a hot day with up to 20 MPH blowing out.
Seth Lugo has had a tougher time against left-handed hitters and the Red Sox have plenty to throw at him.
KC (-105)
Seth Lugo has made four starts against teams in the bottom half of the league in OBP, allowing two runs or less in three of them.
The Boston Red Sox rank 24th in OBP against right-handed pitching and 28th the past month.
Sonny Gray will have a more difficult time slowing down the Kansas City Royals. Their offense is electric at home, sitting third in OBP and second in wOBA when facing righties.
HOU
@
MIN
Mon, May 18 • 7:40 PM ET
MIL
@
CHC
Mon, May 18 • 7:40 PM ET
u10.5 (-105)
Shota Imanaga has been sensational over the past month, and his 91st percentile whiff rate should grab some easy outs. The Brewers are a disciplined lineup that chases at right around 25%, but that doesn't matter much here. Imanga generates swing-and-miss with pure stuff, not chase, which poses unique issues. On the other hand, while I expect the Cubs to score enough to cover, not enough to push this Over. I'd play to 10.
CHC -1.5 (+110)
Brandon Sproat's pitching run value ranks in the third percentile of baseball, with the breaking ball slightly worse than that. That’s a problem against the Cubs because it forces him to rely too much on the fastball, which is a pitch the Cubs hit as well as any team in the sport. On the other side is Shota Imanaga. His diverse skill set should be able to neutralize the Brewers' bats tonight. I would play this down to -110.
TEX
@
COL
Mon, May 18 • 8:40 PM ET
ATH
@
LAA
Mon, May 18 • 9:38 PM ET
ATH (-125)
LAD
@
SD
Mon, May 18 • 9:40 PM ET
Shohei Ohtani o0.5 Total Home Runs (+304)
Shohei Ohtani appears to be heating up at the plate after a slow start, piling up five hits and seven RBI over his last two games. The Dodgers superstar has dominated Padres starter Michael King throughout his career, going 6-for-14 with three home runs against him. Given Ohtani’s recent form and success in this matchup, the value is hard to ignore.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto forecasts for success against an ice-cold Padres lineup (24.9% K rate against RHP this month), whereas San Diego is 2-7 O/U in Michael King's last nine starts. Both ballclubs have effective bullpens as San Diego's leads the MLB in FIP (2.44) this month, while LA is right behind (2.46).
CHW
@
SEA
Mon, May 18 • 9:40 PM ET
o7.5 (-106)
Seattle scored 12 runs against Chicago earlier this month and could put up some runs against Schultz, who struggles with control. He’s walking more than six batters per nine, which could be trouble against a Mariners lineup that ranks third in the AL in walks drawn.
CHW (+150)
Chicago has scored 5+ runs in the last six games and eight of the last nine, averaging 6.2 runs per game over that stretch, which includes scoring 16 in three games against Seattle.
Seattle starter Bryan Woo’s fastball hasn’t been as effective as it was last season, while Chicago rookie Noah Schultz has better hit and homer per nine rates this season.
SF
@
AZ
Mon, May 18 • 9:40 PM ET
Corbin Carroll o0.5 Total Home Runs (+620)
Corbin Carroll is swinging a hot bat, hitting .421 over the last week and coming off a two-homer performance against Colorado. The Diamondbacks outfielder has also crushed left-handed pitching this season, batting .414 against southpaws. Giants starter Robbie Ray has already surrendered 10 home runs in 2026, making this a favorable matchup.
Corbin Carroll o1.5 Total Bases (+120)
Corbin Carroll is red-hot at the plate, hitting .421 over the last week while clearing this total in four consecutive games. The Diamondbacks star is driving the ball with authority, collecting extra-base hits consistently. Robbie Ray has been vulnerable to power this season, giving Carroll a strong opportunity to stay rolling.
Covers’ has more than 25 years of experience making smart MLB picks from the season’s first pitch to the World Series.
We find the best MLB odds and share our picks and baseball best bets for all the significant games of the baseball season right here on this page.
Our picks are researched and analyzed by experienced sports bettors looking for an edge to get the best value from their MLB betting.
Making smart MLB picks means looking beyond the favorites. Our free expert baseball picks will include a wide variety of bet types and markets.
Every day our baseball analysts look for quality baseball picks to share. You can expect well-researched picks on the money, run line, totals, player props, and much more.
Run lines are what other sports like football and basketball refer to as point spreads. Run lines even the odds between two teams, offering bettors as close to an even matchup as possible. Our analysts research vital stats, pitching matchups, injuries, and more to give you the best possible edge before making your MLB run line bets.
Covers’ analysts make MLB Over/Under picks throughout the baseball season. Betting on MLB Over/Unders means choosing whether you think the combined total runs scored in a game will be Over or Under a specific run total set by oddsmakers.
Betting on the MLB moneyline means picking which team will win a game outright. While less common than picking the run line or even a prop, our analysts will always look for high-value baseball moneyline picks if they feel it’s the best bet.
There’s always value in MLB props. Our team scours through game, team, and player props to try and find opportunity and value. From strikeouts to home runs, expect well-researched MLB prop picks from Covers.
Covers’ consensus MLB picks show you the odds and predictions that our vibrant community of bettors and players are making. Try our picks on with our free MLB contests for a chance at prizes and more.
If you’re ready to bet on MLB picks, you first need to find the right sportsbook. The best MLB betting sites offer secure banking, best odds, bonuses, and reliable customer service.
Covers’ staff of sports betting fans also offers a wide array of free picks for the NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA basketball, and NCAA football.
Covers’ MLB picks release on game day. Some significant matchups like playoff games release in the days leading up to the game.
Covers provides free MLB picks covering many markets, including run lines, totals, moneylines, player props, and more.
Established in 1995,
All Picks
NFL
NCAAF
MLB
NBA
NCAAB
NHL
CFL
WNBA
Golf
World Cup
