MLB picks, predictions, best bets for Friday, August 1: Nationals vs. Brewers, Phillies vs. Tigers, and more

The MLB trade deadline day concluded in a frenzy with transactions being conducted all across the board. Contenders got stronger while the lower pack added prospects as they look to rebuild.

Here are the picks, predictions and best games from Friday's slate compiled from ESPN, Ceasar's and Draftkings Sportsbooks.

MLB picks, predictions, best bets for Friday, August 1

Nationals vs. Brewers

Picks: Brewers ML (-150), Over 8.5 runs

Prediction: Brewers 6, Nationals 4

Best Bet: James Wood o0.5 Total RBIs (+200)

The Brewers have the best record in baseball after the trade deadline and 1.0 game ahead of the Chicago Cubs. They start as favorites against the NL East's Nationals.

Phillies vs. Tigers

Picks: Phillies ML (-155), Under 8.5 runs

Prediction: Phillies 4, Tigers 3

Best Bet: Spencer Torkelson o0.5 Total RBIs (+190)

Ranger Suarez (8-4, 2.59 ERA) has been better than Jack Flaherty (6-10, 4.51 ERA) but the latter can spring a surprise with a strong outing.

Royals vs. Blue Jays

Picks: Blue Jays ML (-160), Under 7.5 runs

Prediction: Blue Jays 4, Royals 3

Best Bet: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. o1.5 Hits, Runs, and RBIs (-125)

Kevin Gausman (7-7, 3.82 ERA) and Michael Wacha (4-9, 3.53 ERA) have identical figures but a lack of offensive help from the Royals could result in the latter's loss.

Guardians vs. Twins

Picks: Guardians ML (-125), Under 7.5 runs

Prediction: Guardians 4, Twins 3

Best Bet: Carlos Santana o0.5 Total RBIs (+240)

The Guardians need the series win over divisional rivals Twins if they are to remain in the AL Wild Card hunt.

Red Sox vs. Astros

Picks: Astros ML (-135), Over 7.5 runs

Prediction: Astros 5, Red Sox 4

Best Bet: Victor Caratini o0.5 Total RBIs (+215)

The Astros added Carlos Correa back to their injury-depleted team. Meanwhile the Red Sox are looking to trust their core lineup with major additions to their rotation.

Marlins vs. Yankees

Picks: Yankees ML (-175), Over 7.5 runs

Prediction: Yankees 5, Marlins 3

Best Bet: Jazz Chisholm Jr. o0.5 Total RBIs (+165)

The Yankees padded up their bullpen with the additions of David Bednar and Camilo Doval. They are favorites to sweep the Marlins.

Giants vs. Mets

Picks: Mets ML (-145), Under 7.5 runs

Prediction: Mets 4, Giants 3

Best Bet: Matt Chapman o0.5 Total RBIs (+190)

The Giants quickly became sellers at the deadline with a 54-55 record. The Mets are looking to hold onto the NL East lead, just 0.5 games out in front.

Here are the rest of the predictions for Friday's games:

Atlanta @ Cincinnati: Reds 5, Braves 4

Baltimore @ Chicago (C): Cubs 5, Orioles 3

Los Angeles (D) @ Tampa Bay: Dodgers 6, Rays 5

Pittsburgh @ Colorado: Pirates 7, Rockies 5

Chicago (WS) @ Los Angeles (A): Angels 5, White Sox 4

St. Louis @ San Diego: Padres 4, Cardinals 3

Arizona @ Athletics: Diamondbacks 5, A's 4

Texas @ Seattle (Game 2): Mariners 4, Rangers 3

About the author

Nikhil Parshy is a baseball and ice hockey journalist at Sportskeeda, and after starting out as a cricket reporter, he has been an analyst with SK since November 2022. His interest in the sports were piqued a few years back after watching highlights on YouTube and he has followed the game ever since.

The Chicago Cubs breaking the 108-year curse in 2016 to lift the World Series remains Nikhil's favorite baseball moment. Two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani has been his favorite player ever since he started following the game, while the LA Dodgers are his favorite team.

As a writer, Nikhil maintains a strong attention to detail and rigorously cross-checks information. He seeks to strike a balance in his writing such that the regular reader gains an insight into player profiles, while also keeping in mind that the non-regular reader is not put off by jargon and shallow analysis.

Nikhil is an avid public speaker, and when not writing about baseball, he regularly participates in debates and quizzes.

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Edited by Chaitanya Prakash