MLB Best Bets Today: Check where to put your money today for Saturday Game

Best Bets Today: The MLB playoffs move into the Division Series on Saturday, Oct. 4, with four Game 1 matchups spread across the day. The Chicago Cubs face the Milwaukee Brewers to open the schedule, followed by marquee series between the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays, and the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Seattle Mariners host the Detroit Tigers in the nightcap.

Bettors will be watching closely, and early angles suggest that home teams could have the upper hand in Game 1. Here are the best bets to track, with odds on DraftKings Sportsbook.

Also Read: Bankroll management during NFL season: How to avoide the Sunday chase

Cubs team total under 3.5 (-140) at Brewers

Chicago’s bats have struggled in October. The Cubs managed only six runs in three games against the Padres, with two of those wins coming in low-scoring fashion.

Milwaukee lines up ace Freddy Peralta for the opener. Peralta allowed two runs or fewer in 24 of 33 starts this season, with nine shutouts. Backing him is a rested bullpen that ranked among the league’s best, featuring Abner Uribe (1.67 ERA), Trevor Megill (2.49), and Jared Koenig (2.86).

Also Read: Why odds differ across sportsbooks and how to line shop effectively

Even if the Cubs find a way to keep the game close, it is unlikely to be through offense. Betting their team total under looks stronger than backing Milwaukee outright.

Blue Jays moneyline (-126) vs. Yankees

Toronto enters as one of baseball’s toughest home teams, with 54 wins at Rogers Centre this year. That record proved key during the season series, where the Blue Jays swept New York in July and later took two of three at home.

The Yankees have not named their Game 1 starter. Options include Luis Gil or Clarke Schmidt, neither of whom inspire much confidence. Meanwhile, Toronto hands the ball to Kevin Gausman, who has held New York to four runs across 20 innings in three of his last four outings against them.

Also Read: Week 6 college football betting preview: Key odds, spreads and picks

The Yankees may still contend across the series, but Toronto as a small home favorite offers solid betting value in Game 1.

Phillies moneyline (-123) vs. Dodgers

The Phillies and Dodgers bring the biggest matchup of the slate, and it could decide the National League’s World Series favorite. Philadelphia holds home-field advantage after finishing three games ahead of Los Angeles in the standings.

Both clubs were far stronger at home than on the road. Philadelphia went 55-26 at Citizens Bank Park, while the Dodgers managed a modest 41-40 away record.

The left-handed edge also matters. The Dodgers dominated right-handed starters this season but were just 25-23 against southpaws. With Sanchez on the mound for Philadelphia, and the Dodgers leaning on Shohei Ohtani—who rarely goes past six innings—the game could tilt once the bullpens take over. The Phillies’ home crowd and matchup advantage make them a worthy Game 1 bet.

Best Bets Today: Key takeaway for bettors

Opening day of the Division Series sets up for home-field strength. The recommended plays:

• Cubs team total under 3.5 (-140)
• Blue Jays moneyline (-126)
• Phillies moneyline (-123)

With bullpens and starting matchups favoring hosts, bettors may want to lean toward home clubs in Saturday’s slate.

FAQs

Q1. Which MLB Division Series game starts first on Saturday?
The Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers opens the day’s slate.

Q2. Why is the Cubs’ team total under a good bet?
Milwaukee has its ace Freddy Peralta on the mound and one of the league’s best bullpens, making it tough for Chicago to score.

Q3. Why back the Blue Jays over the Yankees in Game 1?
Toronto was dominant at home and has Kevin Gausman starting, while New York lacks a strong Game 1 option.

Q4. Can the Dodgers overcome the Phillies at home?
Los Angeles has a chance, but the Phillies’ home-field edge and their advantage against left-handed matchups make them the sharper play in Game 1.