MLB picks today: Friday's MLB best bets include Pirates vs. Dodgers play [8/21/2026]

Today’s MLB picks for August 21, 2026 are here, with Pirates vs. Dodgers and Cubs vs. Mariners among the top plays identified by our model across Friday’s MLB play.

Dimers’ predictive analytics engine runs 24/7, scanning the latest baseball odds to find legitimate betting edges. The result? Data-backed picks that help Dimers Pro members make smarter decisions.

List of MLB best bets tonight [8/21, updated 9:35PM ET]

Below, you’ll find today’s MLB best bets, ranked by edge for Friday, August 21, 2026.

Pirates vs. Dodgers Over 7.5 runs (-122)

• Edge: 4.7%
• Probability: 59.7%
• Matchup: Pirates vs. Dodgers (10:10PM ET)

Our model has identified value on Over 7.5 runs in Pirates vs. Dodgers at -122 odds. A 59.7% probability produces an edge of 4.7%, making this the strongest play for today's MLB slate.

Cubs vs. Mariners Over 7.5 runs (-106)

• Edge: 3.6%
• Probability: 55.1%
• Matchup: Cubs vs. Mariners (10:10PM ET)

Cubs vs. Mariners over 7.5 runs carries a 3.6% edge and a probability of 55.1% at -106 odds, according to our model.

MLB best bets summary: Friday, 8/21/2026

As of 9:35PM ET, here are our top MLB bets by edge recommended by our model:

List of upcoming MLB games to bet on [8/21/2026]

• Reds vs. D-Backs (9:40PM ET, Friday)
• Twins vs. Padres (9:40PM ET, Friday)
• Pirates vs. Dodgers (10:10PM ET, Friday)
• Cubs vs. Mariners (10:10PM ET, Friday)
• Blue Jays vs. Yankees (1:35PM ET, Saturday)
• Braves vs. Brewers (2:10PM ET, Saturday)
• Nationals vs. Marlins (4:10PM ET, Saturday)
• Cardinals vs. Phillies (6:05PM ET, Saturday)
• Rays vs. Orioles (7:05PM ET, Saturday)
• Angels vs. Rangers (7:05PM ET, Saturday)
• Athletics vs. Astros (7:10PM ET, Saturday)
• Mets vs. White Sox (7:10PM ET, Saturday)
• Tigers vs. Royals (7:15PM ET, Saturday)
• Cubs vs. Mariners (7:15PM ET, Saturday)
• Giants vs. Red Sox (7:15PM ET, Saturday)
• Pirates vs. Dodgers (7:15PM ET, Saturday)
• Guardians vs. Rockies (8:10PM ET, Saturday)
• Reds vs. D-Backs (8:10PM ET, Saturday)
• Twins vs. Padres (8:40PM ET, Saturday)

Conclusion

Our MLB best bets are locked and loaded for August 21, 2026, featuring plays such as over 7.5 runs in the Pirates vs. Dodgers matchup and over 7.5 runs in the Cubs vs. Mariners matchup. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.

Our predictions are drawn from current data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice, head to our Responsible Gambling hub.

All odds and probabilities in this article are correct and accurate at the time of publication.