MLB Best Bets for Wednesday Night: Let's Make Some Money

We've got a full slate of baseball tonight, and with the trade deadline right around the corner, this is the point of the season where every game starts feeling a little more important.

Contenders are trying to separate themselves, sellers are showcasing players for potential deals, and the betting board has some value if you know where to look.

Let's cash some tickets.

Lock of the Night: Astros Moneyline vs. Angels

This is my favorite play on the board.

Houston gets a dream matchup against Grayson Rodriguez, who has been one of the least effective starting pitchers in baseball this season. An ERA north of eight is never something I'm looking to bet on, especially against an Astros lineup that's been swinging it well lately.

Houston has quietly started playing much better baseball, and this feels like one of those games where they jump on the starter early and never look back.

Sometimes you overthink baseball betting.

I'm not doing it tonight.

Pick: Astros Moneyline

Best Total: Guardians vs. Reds Over 8.5 Runs

Whenever Great American Ball Park is involved, my ears perk up.

It's one of the best hitter's parks in baseball, both offenses are capable of putting crooked numbers on the board, and neither pitching staff inspires a ton of confidence heading into tonight.

I wouldn't be shocked if both teams score four or five runs by the middle innings.

This has all the makings of a back-and-forth game where every bullpen phone is ringing by the sixth inning.

If you're looking for entertainment, this is probably the game to watch.

Pick: Over 8.5 Runs

Upset Special: Cubs Moneyline

I'm taking the Cubs.

Matthew Boyd has been the better pitcher recently, while Dustin May has struggled to string together quality starts.

The Cardinals have also been ice cold over their last handful of games, while Chicago continues finding ways to win.

Divisional games are always dangerous, but this feels like a spot where the Cubs are simply the better baseball team.

Give me the road dog.

Pick: Cubs Moneyline

Yankees Continue Rolling

As a Yankees fan, I don't love laying chalk every night.

But I also know a good pitching matchup when I see one.

Cam Schlittler has looked like one of the biggest surprises in baseball this season and gets another favorable matchup against a White Sox lineup that has struggled to consistently produce offense.

Until someone proves they can consistently square him up, I'm not stepping in front of that train.

Lean: Yankees Moneyline

Sneaky Play: Dodgers vs. Mariners Over

The Dodgers don't need much of an introduction.

They can score six runs before you've even finished making dinner.

Seattle has shown it can contribute offensively as well, and this total feels a little lower than I'd expect considering the pitching matchup.

If the Dodgers do what they normally do at home, Seattle may only need to chip in three or four runs for this one to get home.

Pick: Over 9.5 Runs

My Favorite Parlay

• Astros Moneyline

• Cubs Moneyline

• Guardians vs. Reds Over 8.5

Three legs.

Nothing crazy.

Let's keep it simple.