2025 MLB Wild Card Betting Preview

The 2025 MLB Wild Card Round matchups and World Series odds are set. We’ve got massive best-of-three rivalries when Boston heads to New York to take on the Yankees and the Tigers throw down against the Guardians. Over in the NL, the defending champion Dodgers battle Cincinnati, and the San Diego Padres take on the Chicago Cubs. Check out MLB Wild Card odds, analysis, and picks for this week’s wild card round matchups.

A Closer Look at the 2025 MLB Wild Card Round

Three teams have the opportunity to win their first World Series EVER during the 2025 #Postseason pic.twitter.com/MS1csiqPVy

— MLB (@MLB) September 29, 2025

Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees

The MLB odds on the Red Sox to win Game 1 in the series have plummeted from +115 to +109. The reason? Possible AL Cy Young winner Garrett Crochet takes the mound for the Sox. Crochet posted 255 strikeouts to lead MLB.

The Red Sox ace also holds the Yankees to a .222 team batting average. He struck out 12 the last time he faced NYY. If Crochet can pick up the Game 1 win, the Red Sox could pull off the upset because Boston went 9-4 versus their rivals during the regular season.

2025 MLB Wild Card Pick: Boston Red Sox

Chicago Cubs vs. San Diego Padres

Nick Pivetta, the Padres ace who will start Game 1 versus the Cubs, hasn’t had great success against Chicago. Pivetta allows the Cubs as a team to bat over .300.

The Cubbies boast a .852 OPS and have 30 hits from 98 at-bats. But although Pivetta will give up some hits and maybe a few runs, the Cubs could be in some trouble in this series. Ace Cade Horton is on the 15-day DL. Ah, but Shota Imanaga has shut down the Padres in the past. Chicago is the tepid pick.

2025 MLB Wild Card Pick: Chicago Cubs

Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardian

If we give Game 1 to the Tigers, which is the most likely scenario given Tarik Skubal takes the mound for Detroit, then Cleveland would have to beat Detroit in 2 straight. That may not be possible given that Jack Flaherty should step to the hill in Game 2.

Flaherty didn’t have a great season, going 8-15 and posting an ERA over 4.00. However, Jack has dominated the Guardians, allowing a .205 team batting average in 112 at-bats. Detroit could get the mini-sweep.

2025 MLB Wild Card Pick: Detroit Tigers

Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardian

The Reds have no shot, right? Not so fast. Cincinnati has the better bullpen, and closer Emilio Pagan was much more effective during the regular season than the Dodgers’ closer Tanner Scott.

Scott’s 1.26 WHIP is worrisome. So his 4.74 ERA. The Reds blasted Scott with a .320 batting average in 25 at-bats. That’s not a lot of at-bats, but if Scott has it in his head, he can’t shut down the Reds. Cincy could rally in the eighth and ninth in 2 of the three games. At -245, LAD is an underlay. So a few bucks on the Reds at +200 makes sense.

2025 MLB Wild Card Pick: Cincinnati Reds

Where to Bet on the 2025 World Series with Crypto

Nitrobetting offers a solid channel for those who want to bet on the 2025 World Series with crypto. The power of cryptocurrency and its lightning-fast transactions make the entire MLB Season betting more enjoyable.

Stay tuned for more 2025 World Series previews and articles, and don’t forget to check out the latest baseball betting odds on our online crypto sportsbook.

READ MORE: 2025 MLB Divisional Round Odds and Preview