April 17, 2026 Picks:

New York Mets at Chicago Cubs:

Edward Cabrera continues his hot start for the Cubs, allowing only three runs in three starts this season. The Mets counter with Kosai Senga, who has pitched well in two games but was rocked by the Athletics in his last start. We give a big edge to the Cubs here, who will win the game and take the opener of the weekend series. Pick: Chicago Cubs

Baltimore at Cleveland:

Why Chriss Bassitt is still getting a turn in the Orioles rotation is beyond us. He currently has an ERA of 9.00, giving up 11 runs in 11 innings. Cleveland will take full advantage of this and coast to a win today. Pick: Cleveland

Atlanta at Philadelphia:

Normally, when Taijuan Walker pitches for the Phillies, they are at a distinct disadvantage. Not today, with Nick Perez starting for the Phillies. This will be a high scoring affair, and we think the Phillies will do enough to get Walker his first win of 2026. Pick: Philadelphia

Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh:

This pick is solely because we have picked the Pirates a lot lately. Yes, they are greatly improved, but they still have a questionable offense. The Rays will shut them down today and get the win. Pick: Tampa Bay

San Francisco at Washington:

Logan Webb has not been the reliable workhorse in 2026 that he has been in years past, but that will change today. The Giants will win this one comfortably. Lock it in. Pick: San Francisco (Lock)

Kansas City at New York Yankees:

Michael Wacha vs Cam Schlittler is a good pitching matchup, and we aren’t just saying that because we have both on our fantasy team. Both pitchers have been lights out this year, and we think this will be a low scoring game despite in being played in the Bronx. We have a little more faith in the New York offense, so that is who we are taking in this game. Pick: New York Yankees

Milwaukee at Miami:

Do you trust a pitcher with the last name Junk? We do not, especially against a Brewers offense that has a bunch of patient hitters. Milwaukee will get Junk’s pitch count up early and then will strike against the Marlins bullpen. Pick: Milwaukee

Detroit at Boston:

In his last start, Ranger Suarez finally looked like the pitcher the Red Sox hoped for when they signed him to that huge deal. He allowed no runs and only three hits in six innings. He looks to build on that momentum against the Tigers. We think he will do just that, and will lead Boston to a win. Pick: Boston

Cincinnati at Minnesota:

The fact that the Reds pitching staff has been this good to start the year is impressive, even more so when you realize that Hunter Greene is still on the injured list. This Reds staff is young and dominant, with the exception of Brandon Williamson, who throws today. Minnesota has Joe Ryan starting in this one, which is why we are going with the Twins. Pick: Minnesota

St. Louis at Houston:

St. Louis has overachieved this year because of their offense, while Houston has underachieved because of their pitching. The Astros have already given up 114 runs as of writing, which is at least 35 more than every other team in their division. The hits just keep on coming against the Astros, as the Cardinals get the victory. Pick: St. Louis

Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado:

Colorado will not go winless against the Dodgers this year. That we know for sure. However, with Tyler Glasnow throwing, they won’t win this game. Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers

San Diego at Los Angeles Angels:

Jose Siriano is looking to become the first five game winner in baseball tonight, as he takes the ball for the Angels against the Padres. He has allowed only one run in 27 innings, which is remarkable. He will probably give up more than one run today, but will still pitch well enough to get the win. Pick: Los Angeles Angels

Chicago White Sox at Athletics

The Chicago White Sox are averaging less than 3.5 runs per game, but the ballpark in Sacramento is the perfect place for them to get right. That might happen sometime this weekend, but that time won’t be today. Aaron Civale shuts them down and the Athletics get the win.

Texas at Seattle:

The Mariners have already been swept by the Rangers in Arlington, and now they start a three game series against them at home in Seattle. Surprisingly, the Mariners have hit much better at T-Mobile Park, which has notoriously been a tough place to hit. That continues today as the Mariners get the win. Pick: Seattle

Toronto at Arizona:

Michael Soroka didn’t sign until the end of spring training, but he has hit the ground running for the Diamondbacks, starting the season 3-0. That will come to an end today at the hands of the Blue Jays, who will get enough offense and get the win. Pick: Toronto

Happy picking everyone!