Following two straight seasons out of the playoffs, the St. Louis Cardinals are on the march against the baseball betting odds. At the Memorial Day weekend mark of the season, the Cardinals were the most profitable team on the board. St. Louis is challenging the Chicago Cubs for the lead in the National League Central. Accordingly, the Cubs are the second most profitable team on the National League. Similarly to the Cardinals, the New York Mets are generating revenue after two disappointing seasons. Meanwhile, the San Diego Padres are showing a profit as they challenge the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Redbirds in the Black
So far, the St. Louis Cardinals are 31-24 and in second place in the National League Central. At the forefront of the Cardinals’ renaissance is an offense that ranks seventh for run production and third for batting average. Additionally, the Cardinals’ pitching staff ranks 4th for quality starts. St. Louis ranks first for the fewest errors committed. St. Louis is 19-8 at home, nearly +1000 units at Busch Stadium. Also, the Redbirds have been highly effective with the run line.
The fly in the ointment for St. Louis is a bullpen that ranks dead last in Major League Baseball for earned run averaged. To illustrate, the Cardinals blew eight save opportunities in their first 23 tries.
Cubs Out of Hibernation
Last year, the Cubs were one of the biggest disappointments in Major League Baseball. Chicago hired Craig Counsell as manager after luring him from the Milwaukee Brewers, his hometown team. Following that subpar 2024, the Cubs are roaring back with a vengeance in 2025. Chicago is the second most profitable team in the National League and leads the NL Central.
Specifically, the sportsbook strength of the Cubs lies in their run production. Chicago leads MLB for runs scored and ranks third for OPS and fourth for home runs. Of major concern is the Cubs’ pitching staff. Chicago ranks 16th in earned run average, 15th in quality starts, and 25th in bullpen ERA.
Overall, the Cubs have shown excellent value both at home and on the road. Additionally, the Cubs have made excellent gains with the run line.
Padres Prevail at Payout Window
Although they operate in the shadow of the megabrand Los Angeles Dodgers, that situation works in the favor of the Padres. San Diego is the third most profitable team in the National League this season. In particular, the Padres are printing money in home games and with the run line.
Overall, San Diego Padres are showing solid balance but does not have an MLB odds strength that stands apart. The Padres rank 14th for run production and ninth for earned run average. However, San Diego ranks 18th for quality starts. The San Diego bullpen is above average, ranking 13th.
Mets Finally Emerge as Serious Contender
The New York Mets rank fourth in profits in the National League. The Mets boss the cashier’s cage at home with a record 21-6, good for +859 units. Also, New York is showing above-average profitability against the run line. The strength of the Mets is a pitching staff that ranks first in Major League Baseball for earned run average.
Of major concern for gamblers is that the Mets rank 23rd for quality starts on the mound. The Mets are also struggling to get the money on the road.