MLB Weekly Preview 2

One potential National League finals could feature the Dodgers and the Braves, the two strongest teams in MLB, facing off in their first series of the year, starting the Weekly preview this Monday.

That’s the marquee matchup in the National League. However, the American League also has a heavyweight clash in the highly competitive AL East, as the Baltimore Orioles host the Boston Red Sox.

Meanwhile, the Mets will travel to face the Miami Marlins, while the Phillies will look to showcase their talent against a less formidable opponent in the Rockies.

MLB Weekly Preview 2: Baltimore Orioles vs. Boston Red Sox

The Baltimore Orioles are strong contenders to win the AL East once again, just as they did in 2023, led by a core featuring Ramón Laureano, Ryan Mountcastle, and Colton Cowser, while awaiting the return of their star, Gunnar Henderson, from the injured list. Taking the mound will be young left-hander Cade Povich, who has just one year of experience, with 16 starts and a 5.20 ERA. The team currently holds a 2-2 record.

On the other hand, the Red Sox are among the contenders, boasting a well-constructed roster under manager Alex Cora, a World Series champion in 2018. The addition of Alex Bregman aims to strengthen third base defensively, while Rafael Devers has shifted his focus to being the designated hitter. However, his start has been slow, going hitless in his first 16 at-bats. Left-hander Sean Newcomb will take the mound for Boston, coming off an impressive Spring Training where he allowed just five hits over 14.1 innings, posting a stellar 0.63 ERA.

Orioles vs. Red Sox Betting Pick: Orioles

MLB Weekly Preview 2: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Colorado Rockies

In the National League, two teams are expected to challenge the Dodgers’ dominance: the Braves and the Phillies, starting a series against the Colorado Rockies, a team with limited aspirations this season. Given that JT Realmuto, Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Nick Castellanos, and Kyle Schwarber are all over 30, this seems like Philadelphia’s best chance to win another World Series. Left-hander Cristopher Sánchez will take the mound for the Phillies, coming off a solid 2023 season where he posted an 11-9 record with a 3.32 ERA. So far, the team has recorded two wins and one loss.

The Rockies have the misfortune of sharing a division with the Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Padres, making it unlikely that they will achieve much in the regular season. Veteran Kris Bryant will look to rediscover his best form after years of inconsistency. Venezuelan right-hander Germán Márquez will start for Colorado, seeking redemption after a 2024 season with limited action. The Rockies currently hold a 1-2 record.

Phillies vs. Rockies Betting Pick: Phillies

MLB Weekly Preview 2: Miami Marlins vs. New York Mets

Season after season, the Marlins have seemingly worked to weaken their roster and reduce their chances of making the postseason. However, they have started the 2025 campaign with a surprising 3-1 record and hope to be a challenge for the Mets, especially with Cal Quantrill on the mound. In 2024, Quantrill made 29 starts and posted a 4.98 ERA. Notably, Dane Myers sees the ball exceptionally well against Mets pitcher David Peterson, boasting a .500 batting average against him.

The Mets, on the other hand, have a star-studded lineup featuring Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Starling Marte—all high-caliber players with the ability to generate significant offensive production. Soto, in particular, appears to be the only real contender to challenge Shohei Ohtani for the National League MVP. David Peterson will take the mound for New York after an outstanding 2024 season, where he recorded a 2.90 ERA in 21 starts. The Mets currently hold a 1-2 record.

Marlins vs. Mets Betting Pick: Mets

MLB Weekly Preview 2: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves

MLB experts anticipate that with the talent on this Dodgers roster, reaching 100 wins in the regular season should be a straightforward task. When the back end of your rotation includes a star like Tyler Glasnow, it speaks volumes about the depth of Dave Roberts’ team. Alongside the left-hander, the Dodgers boast an elite offensive core featuring Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernández, and Max Muncy. Their dominance is already evident with a perfect 5-0 record, making them the clear favorite to win the World Series once again.

However, their opponent is no pushover. The Braves remain a strong contender in the National League despite being without star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and ace pitcher Spencer Strider. Reliever Grant Holmes will take the mound for Atlanta, coming off a solid 2024 season in which he appeared in 26 games, starting seven.

Dodgers vs. Braves Betting Pick: Dodgers