Aug 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha (52) pitches during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

NRFI & YRFI Best Bets 9/16/2025 Today’s MLB Picks

Pick details

Seattle (82-68) vs Kansas City (75-75)

September 16, 2025 at 07:40 PM EDT

The Line: Betting Odds: Kansas City +1.5 — Over/Under: +8.5

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Seattle Mariners vs Kansas City Royals 7:40 PM EST

Pick: NRFI

The Seattle Mariners will face the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium in a matchup that carries playoff implications for Seattle and pride for Kansas City. The Mariners enter the game at 82-68, riding strong momentum from a recent winning streak as they push for a postseason berth, while the Royals sit at 75-75, hovering around .500. Seattle will send Logan Gilbert to the mound, who has been reliable with a 3.54 ERA despite a modest 4-6 record, while Kansas City counters with veteran Michael Wacha, who owns a 9-11 record but a solid 3.45 ERA. Even though Gilbert has struggled on the road this season, I expect him to have a solid outing against a Royals team that ranks in the bottom half in every major offensive category. On the other hand, Michael Wacha has been great in Kansas City, coming into this one with a sub-3 ERA at home. I trust both these guys to get us out of the first inning.

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Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs 6:40 PM EST

Pick: NRFI

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs will square off in a matchup that highlights two of the league’s most exciting young pitchers. The Cubs enter with an 85-64 record as they continue to push for a playoff spot, while the Pirates sit at 65-85 and have dropped eight of their last nine games, plagued by one of the weakest offenses in baseball. Pittsburgh will lean on ace Paul Skenes, who has been sensational with a 1.92 ERA and more than 200 strikeouts, though his efforts have often been wasted due to a lack of run support. Opposing him will be Cade Horton for Chicago, who has been impressive in his own right, carrying a 10-4 record and a 2.70 ERA. Let’s back both of them to get us out of the first inning.


Baltimore Orioles vs White Sox 7:40 PM EST

Pick: NRFI

The Baltimore Orioles and Chicago White Sox square off at Rate Field in Chicago, with first pitch scheduled for 7:40 PM ET. Baltimore enters the game at 69-80, while Chicago continues to struggle at 57-93, owning one of the worst records in the American League. The Orioles will turn to right-hander Tyler Wells, who has been effective in limited action this season, while the White Sox counter with Shane Smith, who holds a 6-7 record with a 3.78 ERA and 122 strikeouts. The Orioles have been terrible at the plate when playing away from Baltimore, and I can’t trust these White Sox bats either. Both starters are in a good spot to have a good outing and should be able to get out of the first inning untouched.

Brad Francis's Pick: See Above

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