NY Mets (0-0) at Houston (0-0)
- When: Mar 27 2025, 4:10 PM
- Where: Daikin Park, Houston
- Where to watch: SNY
MLB Opening Day Betting Preview: Astros vs. Mets – Moneyline, Total & Predictions
Moneyline: Houston Astros -135 | Total: 7.5 Runs
Houston Astros: Reset, Not Rebuild
The Astros enter the 2025 season with high expectations despite a shakeup in the offseason. Gone are long-time cornerstones Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker, but Houston didn’t waste time reloading. New addition Isaac Paredes takes over at third base, while slugger Christian Walker bolsters the middle of the lineup. Cam Smith, a spring training standout, also earned a big-league role and could be a breakout candidate.
Despite the turnover, the Astros still aim to lock down a ninth straight postseason appearance and remain the favorites in a competitive AL West. Veteran lefty Framber Valdez returns to anchor the rotation. He’s coming off a strong 2024 campaign (15-7, 2.91 ERA) and had a solid spring, going 2-0 with a 3.45 ERA and 16 Ks. Expect him to set the tone against a revamped Mets squad.
Houston was solid at home last season and should carry that momentum into Opening Day. The offense still features dangerous pieces and now has new power in the heart of the order.
Best Astros Player Props:
Framber Valdez Over 5.5 Strikeouts
Christian Walker Over 1.5 Total Bases
New York Mets: All Eyes on Soto
The Mets made the loudest offseason splash by signing superstar Juan Soto to a historic 15-year, $765 million deal. He joins a stacked lineup that already includes Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Mark Vientos. Even without injured catcher Francisco Alvarez, the Mets’ offense should be elite.
New York turns to Clay Holmes for the Opening Day start. The former Yankees closer is transitioning back into a starter role, and while his spring numbers (0.93 ERA, 23 Ks) were eye-catching, he hasn’t started a regular-season game since 2018. That raises red flags against a disciplined Astros lineup.
The Mets reached the NLCS last year and enter 2025 with World Series expectations, but they’ll need time to adjust. Integrating new pieces like Soto and Holmes could take a few series to click fully. Opening on the road against a proven contender isn’t ideal for a team trying to find its new identity.
Best Mets Player Props:
Juan Soto Over 1.5 Total Bases
Clay Holmes Over 2.5 Earned Runs Allowed
Prediction & Best Bets
This matchup leans in favor of the home team. Houston still has veteran leadership, depth, and a clear edge in starting pitching with Valdez. Holmes is a question mark as a starter, and the Astros will likely take advantage early.
Best Bet: Astros Moneyline (-135)
Prediction: Astros 4, Mets 3
Lean: Under 7.5 (-105) – expect quality pitching early, especially from Valdez, and some early-season rust from both lineups.
- MLB Odds source: MYBookie Sportsbook
