MLB Picks Today: Expert Predictions & Best Bets for Friday, September 25, inc. Rangers vs Twins

While a massive football weekend looms on the horizon, we do have a loaded 17-game MLB slate in store on Friday as the 2026 regular season enters its final few days. The full card features some intriguing matchups, including two doubleheaders with Cubs vs Red Sox at 1:05 PM ET and 6:05 PM ET, plus Orioles vs Yankees at 4:05 PM ET and Game 2 immediately following it. In addition to those matchups, we also have Rays vs Phillies, Rangers vs Twins and Diamondbacks vs Padres on the docket. Let's break down my MLB best bets for today, while you can also find out our expert MLB picks for EVERY GAME today and throughout the final days of the 2026 campaign.

MLB Best Bet: Texas Rangers ML over Minnesota Twins (-105)

Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -115.

The Rangers are engaged in a battle for the AL West crown, and Texas could really use a win on Friday to keep up with the Astros at the top of the division. Fortunately for Skip Schumaker's team, they'll be facing Twins starter Joe Ryan (3.83 ERA, bottom 10% barrel rate) — who has posted a 7.67 ERA over his last six outings and has not won a start since before the All-Star break.

On the other side, Texas has not selected a pitcher yet, but if the Rangers end up going with Jacob deGrom, he should hold an edge over a Minnesota lineup that has been a pretty middling unit in most statistical categories this season.

Ultimately, there isn't much separating these teams if deGrom doesn't take the mound, but we're getting some value with Texas if the future Hall of Famer gets the ball. Let's back the Rangers on the money line on the road.

Read our full Rangers vs Twins prediction

MLB Best Bet: San Diego Padres ML vs Arizona Diamondbacks Over 7 (-118)

Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -130.

The Padres have been one of the hottest teams in baseball over the second half of the campaign, including a recent stretch during which they have won eight out of 10 games and moved into the top Wild Card spot in the National League. San Diego's lineup should be in position to keep the good vibes going on Friday with a matchup against Brandon Pfaadt (bottom 10% strikeout rate, four runs allowed in three of his last six outings) and a Diamondbacks team that has won five straight, with most of those games being high-scoring contests.

Arizona's lineup should stay hot against Padres projected starter Casey Mize, who has really struggled over his last six outings and generally has below-average metrics in a myriad of statistical categories. This total is a bit low given the offenses involved, so I'll roll with the over in this NL West clash.

Read our full Diamondbacks vs Padres prediction