MLB Thursday Preview + Best Bets !!

Jul 31, 2025

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Munaf Manji and Griffin Warner talk all things MLB.

⚾ Mets acquire Ryan Helsley: Strengthens their bullpen, likely for high-leverage innings instead of just the 9th.

🔴 Phillies add Jhoan Duran: Sent top prospect Mick Abel for a strong closer; GM Dombrowski unlikely done dealing.

🐯 Tigers acquire Rafael Montero: Minor bullpen addition; they remain reluctant to trade prospects.

🟥 Reds trade for Aaron Civale: Adds starting depth; concerns over walk rate and fit at Great American Ballpark.

🟦 Cubs get Michael Soroka: Bolsters the rotation for NL Central/wild card race.

⚔️ Braves likely sellers: Injuries decimated rotation; expect them to unload veterans.

🛑 Guardians may trade Steven Kwan & Shane Bieber: A sign of potential rebuild.

🌟 Carlos Correa could return to Astros: Willing to waive no-trade clause; Astros need infield depth.

💰 Thursday best bets: Munaf backs Rays team total over 4.5 runs; Griffin takes Rays ML vs. Yankees.

📊 Marcus Stroman’s struggles at Yankee Stadium: 15–6 to the over since 2023; 5–0 to the over in 2024.

[00:00] Munaf Manji opens by highlighting MLB’s active trade window with several bullpen moves already completed. He notes only three Thursday games are on the schedule.
[01:45] Griffin Warner celebrates recent podcast betting success (4–0 over two episodes) and emphasizes how impactful the trade deadline is for playoff races.
[04:10] Mets trade: Munaf details the Ryan Helsley acquisition, with Edwin Díaz returning to form. Griffin analyzes the need for high-leverage bullpen arms, not just closers.
[07:00] Phillies trade: Munaf reports Jhoan Duran to Philadelphia for Mick Abel; Griffin predicts Dombrowski will continue aggressive buying.
[11:00] Tigers’ Montero deal: Munaf calls it a minor move; Griffin doubts Detroit’s belief in a deep playoff push despite a solid divisional position.
[15:00] Reds’ pitching depth: They add Aaron Civale, but Griffin critiques his high walk rate and worries about his fit in Cincinnati.
[20:00] Cubs acquire Soroka: Munaf frames it as a key depth move; Griffin notes high trade costs for top pitchers like Zach Gallen and Merrill Kelly.
[31:00] Buyers & sellers: Griffin lists the Braves, Guardians, Twins, and Giants as potential sellers, while Padres, Dodgers, and Red Sox should be buyers.
[44:00] Correa rumors: Munaf mentions Carlos Correa could return to Houston to cover for injuries; Jeremy Peña expected back.
[55:00] Betting breakdowns: They preview Rays vs. Yankees (backing Rays & team total over 4.5), Braves vs. Reds (support for Cincinnati’s offense vs. Carrasco), and Rangers vs. Mariners (leaning Seattle & under 7.5).

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