MLB Best Bets Today: Yankees vs. Orioles, Reds vs. Pirates Odds & Picks

Looking back at April, things could have been worse. My record on MLB Best Bets was 6-9, for -185 units. The first full month of the MLB season could have gone sideways after I started 1-4. A flip of the page on the Ol' Calendar on the wall is a welcome sign, and an opportunity to add wins to the ledger.

I've selected three entertaining games for my MLB Best Bets picks this Friday. We have two division rivalries, and a matchup of two last place teams that aren't expected to stay at the bottom of the standings.

MLB Best Bet Games for Friday, May 1

• Cincinnati Reds at Pittsburgh Pirates, 6:45 p.m. ET on Apple TV
• Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees, 7:05 p.m. ET on YES, MASN
• Houston Astros at Boston Red Sox, 7:10 p.m. ET on NESN+, SCHN

If you're looking for more sports betting and MLB promotions with the season underway, head on over to our list of best sports betting offers here.

Reds at Pirates: Run Totals

Once upon a time the Reds and Pirates were National League heavyweights. From 1970 to 1979, they combined to win 12 of the 20 division titles in the NL, and faced each other four times in the playoffs.

But that was back when ballplayers wore polyester uniforms with tight waistbands and high socks with stirrups. The modern Reds and Pirates seem like small market teams trying to swim upstream to avoid the falls that end on the rocks in No Title Rapids. But, things are changing.

Some of the most exciting players in baseball are playing in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. That includes Oneil Cruz (PIT) and Elly De La Cruz (CIN), two of the most gifted athletes in spikes. Plus there's the greatest pitcher in the game, Paul Skenes, and Konnor Griffin, Pittsburgh's shortstop phenom.

All that talent, and two teams that look like playoff teams, make this weekend series a must-see event. It makes me glad I have Apple TV to see this nationally-televised game.

• BEST BET: Pirates Under 3.5 Runs (+118, BetMGM)

The Bucs rank 10th in MLB in run scoring, but that measurement is a bit of an illusion. There have been many top-heavy games for this offense. In 10 of their 32 games, the Pirates have been held to 0-2 runs. Want to go deeper? Even with Oneil Cruz, who ranks in the top five in bat speed, contact percentage, and barrel rate, the Pirates as a team rate 27th in MLB in squared-up contact. That means far too often when the Pirates make contact, it's not great quality. That's why their SLG is 22nd in baseball.

The Pirates offense is outperforming its raw stats. I want to go below 3.5 for this matchup with the Reds, for half a unit or $50, to win $59.

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O's vs Yanks

The Yankees have won four straight series, and are 10-2 in their last 12 games. The hot streak has lifted the Bombers into first place in the AL East. Looking up at them are the Baltimore Orioles, who took two of three from the Astros, and are finally seeing production from the top of the lineup.

The Orioles are a sleeper pick to win the AL East: odds are +700 from BetMGM. The lineup is good enough to compete over 162-game schedule, and the pitching should be capable, though the bullpen has been shaky so far in 2026.

This game will be in Yankee Stadium, where the Yanks are 8-5 with a +14 run differential. But I see some trends in Baltimore that lead me to my Best Bet for BAL/NYY.

• BEST BET: Orioles To Win the Most Innings (+145, DraftKings)

In 6 of its last 9 games, the Orioles have scored at least 5 runs. Over that span, Baltimore is averaging 6 RPG. More importantly, Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman are hot at the top of the lineup. Combined, those two former All-Stars are hitting .389 in their most recent 5 games.

To win this bet, the Orioles need to outscore the Yankees in more innings than the Yankees outscore them. If the teams tie in innings won, the bet is a push. I'm going with a $100 wager, and will win $145 plus my stake.

Looking ahead to the World Series and MLB Playoffs? Ballislife Bets has future World Series betting odds available for you on our website.

Astros at Red Sox

My father used to say "Never trust a man with two first names." The Red Sox interim manager is Chad Tracy, a likable enough fella, but one with little experience filling out lineups and making pitching changes.

Wednesday, Tracy went to the mound to remove Brayan Bello. As he did, Bello shook his head more than a bobblehead doll on the dashboard of a Toyota Corolla. It wasn't a good look, as a visibly agitated Bello stalked to the dugout while his manager's bruised ego was exposed to everyone in the ballpark.

Can Tracy revive this team after the Sox shockingly fired Alex Cora less than a week ago? I don't think it matters how effective he is: Boston has the studs in the lineup to reverse course. Once Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran, and Trevor Story start hitting, and once Bello finally finds his mound groove, the Red Sox can win enough to make up the (only) three games that is keeping it from a wild card spot.

On Friday, the 12-19 Red Sox host the Astros (12-20). This is essentially a bullpen game for both teams. The Astros are starting Mike Burrows, who is the epitome of the No.  5 1/2 starter: he's in the rotation, but barely. The Red Sox have yet to name the sacrificial lamb they are sending to the bump to start the contest.

• BEST BET: Both Teams To Score 4+ Runs (+145, DraftKings)

Bank on the Astros and Red Sox to get several runs across in this Friday night game. I'm betting one-half of a unit ($50 for my budget) on this game prop.