MLB · 2 weeks ago

MLB Best Bets Today: Monday’s Top 2 Betting Picks (August 25)

Gabriel Santiago

Host · Writer

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There is no stopping us now. The MLB season and summer are fully underway, meaning there are betting opportunities every day between now and October. We’ve got you covered for Monday’s baseball schedule!

Where to Watch Minnesota Twins vs. Toronto Blue Jays

Ballpark: Rogers Centre
Location: Toronto, ON
Where to Watch: MNNT, Sportsnet
Time: 7:07 p.m. ET
Spread: TOR -1.5 (+146) | Total: 7.5 (-122/+100)
Moneyline: MIN +120 | TOR -142

To begin the week, the Minnesota Twins are headed north of the border to take on the Toronto Blue Jays. On the mound, prepare to see right-handed veterans Joe Ryan and Max Scherzer.

Both hurlers have performed strongly in 2025, but any time Toronto is playing at home, I have my eyes on the over. So far this year, the Blue Jays have cashed the over at a 72-53-6 (57.6%) clip. However, that record is even better for over supporters when playing at Rogers Centre: 37-24-2. (60.7%).

Presently, the Jays are tagged with a .762 OPS, which is the second-highest mark in the American League. Naturally, Toronto’s offense has had even more success when playing in Canada this season, slashing .270/.341/.449 in the split. Overall, the Blue Jays have plated 5.27 runs per game in contests at home.

Minnesota’s lineup has been inconsistent throughout the current campaign, but I think there is enough here to take on a short total of 7.5 combined runs. Additionally, the Twins have scored four or more runs in all three previous meetings with Toronto. If Minnesota can help with its share, I love the over in Ontario.

Best Bet: Over 7.5 (-122)

Where to Watch San Diego Padres vs. Seattle Mariners

Ballpark: T-Mobile Park
Location: Seattle, WA
Where to Watch: RSNW, SDPA
Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
Spread: SEA -1.5 (+162) | Total: 8 (-114/-106)
Moneyline: SD +108 | SEA -126

On Monday, the San Diego Padres will hit the road for the second half of the 2025 Vedder Cup, which is the ironic name of their interleague rivalry with the Seattle Mariners. Lefty JP Sears and righty Bryce Miller will serve as projected starters in the opener.

Sears will be making his third start since being traded to San Diego. Overall, he’s made 24 previous appearances in 2025, showcasing a 1.28 WHIP along the way. Conversely, Miller has produced a 4.96 skill-interactive ERA. Furthermore, Miller’s 47.9% hard-hit rate (per Statcast) has been a cause for concern all year.

At this juncture in the season, the Friars are 0-3 against Seattle, but I think they get one back tonight in the Pacific Northwest. Both sides reside in second place of their respective divisions, but when comparing head-to-head, San Diego has a superior run differential (+57 compared to Seattle’s +22).

The Mariners have lost seven of their past contests entering Monday. Additionally, the Padres still boast MLB’s top bullpen (2.96 ERA). That gives me further confidence to back San Diego for a victory on the road tonight.