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The first Spring Training games of 2026 get underway today! Grapefruit League play begins with Yankees vs. Orioles, and we'll see four all-pro matchups in the Cactus League out west.
Find out why I'm targeting a pair of plus-money teams in my MLB picks for Friday, February 20.
Spring Training predictions for February 20
| Picks | |
|---|---|
 Royals moneyline | +110 |
 Rockies moneyline | +114 |
 Padres vs.  Mariners Over 11 | -105 |
Pick #1: Royals moneyline
+110 at DraftKings
The Texas Rangers are likely favored due to the name value on the mound with Nathan Eovaldi taking the ball vs. Stephen Kolek. But I wouldn't be surprised if Eovaldi only lasts one inning in his first Cactus League start of 2026.
Eovaldi pitched only two innings in his initial Spring Training outing in 2025, coughing up two runs.
The Kansas City Royals were a robust 20-12 in exhibition play last season, scoring an MLB-best 204 runs.
Pick #2: Rockies moneyline
+114 at DraftKings
Antonio Senzatela gets the nod for the Colorado Rockies, and although his regular season stats were dismal in 2025, he was a force to be reckoned with in Spring Training, authoring a 1.21 ERA over 22 1/3 innings.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are playing things close to the vest, having yet to name a starter or announce a starting lineup. I don't think the recently-signed Zac Gallen will get the nod, which would be the only reason to wait for this line to jump in the right direction.
Pick #3: Padres vs Mariners Over 11
-105 at DraftKings
Runs came fast and furious in Seattle Mariners games last spring, as they scored 199 (second-most) and surrendered 202 (most). The San Diego Padres were also a poor defensive team in Cactus League play last year, allowing 180 runs (tied for fifth-most).
Neither starter will put fear into the hearts of their opponents today, with San Diego rolling with unproven rookie Jagger Hayes, and Seattle countering with journeyman Dane Dunning.
The announced starting lineups are dotted with stars, with the likes of Fernando Tatis Jr. and Cal Raleigh written in toward the top.
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