MLB 3-Game Parlay: Top Picks, Odds & Predictions for Friday, July 18

There is no stopping us now. The MLB season is back underway after the All-Star break, meaning there are betting opportunities every day between now and October. We’ve got you covered for today’s action, highlighting our top three picks in our Friday parlay!

Where to Watch New York Yankees vs. Atlanta Braves

• Ballpark: Truist Park
• Location: Atlanta, GA
• Where to Watch: SNY, FDSSO
• Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
• Spread: NYY -1.5 | Total: 8.5
• Moneyline: NYY -110 | ATL -106

Note: All odds are subject to change after article publication. Get the most up-to-date odds here.

The New York Yankees kick off the second half of the 2025 MLB season with an interleague clash versus the Atlanta Braves. The Yankees stumbled into the All-Star break, and it’s unlikely they recover to take the series opener at Truist Park. 

New York is a bashful 5-8 over its past 13 games. Their offense has been delivering usual, if not increased, production. Still, that hasn’t been enough to offset the Yankees’ pitching woes. Collectively, the Yankees’ staff is toting a 4.84 ERA over the last two weeks, with corresponding increases in WHIP and opponents’ batting average. More concerningly, New York has given up 24 home runs across the 13-game sample.

Spencer Strider takes to the mound for the Braves on Friday night. The right-handed flamethrower has turned a corner with his recent efforts, winning three of his last six games, including five quality starts. Furthermore, he continues to pitch above his expected ERA, suggesting that ongoing progression is anticipated. 

The Yankees’ bats will be at a sincere disadvantage on Friday night, and their pitching will do nothing to offset that limited run production. The Braves’ moneyline is the right side to be on.

Best Bet: Braves -106

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Where to Watch San Diego Padres vs. Washington Nationals

• Ballpark: Nationals Park
• Location: Washington, DC
• Where to Watch: SDPA, MASN
• Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
• Spread: SD -1.5 | Total: 8.5
• Moneyline: SD -146 | WSH +124

The San Diego Padres embark on a 10-game road trip, starting with a three-game weekend set versus the Washington Nationals. We’re betting on a high-scoring affair in the nation’s capital on Friday night. 

Neither starting pitcher has looked exceptional this season. Dylan Cease continues to rank as an elite strikeout arm, but his underlying power metrics put him among the worst in the MLB. So far this season, he’s giving up a 10.3% barrel rate and 42.1% hard-hit rate, ranking in the 22nd and 40th percentile, respectively. That puts him in harm’s way versus a potent Nats’ lineup.

Likewise, Michael Soroka has been combustible, particularly at home. The Canadian hurler has pitched to a 5.35 ERA this season and given up 10 home runs across 67.1 innings pitched. Worse, he’s struggled at Nationals Park, allowing a 5.67 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. 

Runs will be plentiful in this National League showdown. At plus-money, we’re loading up on over 8.5 between the Padres and Nationals.

Best Bet: SD vs. WSH Over 8.5 +100

Where to Watch Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners

• Ballpark: T-Mobile Park
• Location: Seattle, WA
• Where to Watch: SCHN, Root Sports NW
• Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
• Spread: SEA -1.5 | Total: 7.5
• Moneyline: SEA -134 | HOU +116

For years, the Seattle Mariners have been trying to dethrone the Houston Astros in the AL West. While they wielded an advantage early this season, the M’s have relinquished ground over the past few months. Expect Seattle to come out swinging in Friday’s series opener. 

The Mariners have been operating efficiently lately. Seattle is 6-3 over its previous nine contests, turning up the offensive intensity ahead of the All-Star break. The M’s put up 35 runs in a three-game set versus the Detroit Tigers, success they can emulate against the Astros. 

Houston’s offense is trending in the opposite direction. The Astros have scored just 10 runs over their last four games, recording three or fewer tallies in all but one of those contests. Not surprisingly, that ineffectiveness is reflected in their underlying metrics. As a team, the Stros have a disastrous .629 OPS with 41 strikeouts to just eight extra-base hits. 

Luis Castillo is primed for a strong showing against a free-swinging Astros side. That will be the difference in this one, with the Mariners boasting a substantive advantage at home. Seattle cruises.

Best Bet: Mariners -134

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MLB Best Bets Friday’s Top Parlay Picks: +579 Odds

• Braves -106
• Padres vs. Nationals Over 8.5 (+100)
• Mariners -134

We’re betting on two undervalued home teams and an over on tonight’s slate. Over 8.5 between the Padres and Nationals, with Mariners and Braves moneyline wagers are the plays. When it’s all said and done, our three-game parlay pays out with +579 odds.

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