Nine Major League Baseball games on Thursday's slate. Here are the best parlay combinations to target today.
Thursday's Major League Baseball Parlay Picks - August 20, 2026
Nine games dot Thursday's Major League Baseball slate, giving us plenty of angles to work with. From an afternoon matinee in Cincinnati to a late-night showdown in Houston, the day is loaded with parlay-building potential. Let's break down the best combinations on the board.
Key Matchups and Analysis
Atlanta Braves @ Chicago White Sox (-104 FanDuel)
The Atlanta Braves are massive favorites against the Chicago White Sox, yet somehow their moneyline sits at just -104 on FanDuel. That is one of the most generous prices you will find on a team of Atlanta's caliber in 2026. A moneyline that short on the Braves is practically a coin-flip price for what should be a decisive edge. The White Sox have been one of the worst teams in the majors and the Braves' rotation and lineup should handle this one comfortably. This is the standout value spot on the entire slate.
New York Yankees @ Baltimore Orioles - Spread
The New York Yankees come into Baltimore carrying real momentum and their -1.5 run line at +140 on BetMGM is excellent value for a team capable of blowing games open. The Yankees have the rotation depth and lineup firepower to win by multiple runs on any given night, and +140 on a -1.5 spread is a price you want to be on when the matchup lines up. Baltimore's rotation has been inconsistent and a Yankees bullpen performing at a high level makes the two-run cushion very achievable.
Cleveland Guardians vs San Francisco Giants - Under 7.5
The Giants travel to Cleveland for a matchup that screams low-scoring affair. Both franchises have leaned heavily on pitching and the total sitting at 7.5 with the Under priced at -105 on Hard Rock Bet is a sharp play. Progressive Field can suppress offense and neither lineup ranks among the most explosive in the league. Under 7.5 is a staple low-total line and the near-even juice on the under makes it easy to plug into a parlay.
Texas Rangers @ Washington Nationals - Rangers Spread
The Texas Rangers host the Washington Nationals in a late game where the Rangers -1.5 spread at +140 on Fanatics is a tremendous number. Washington is not a team that keeps games close on the road against superior competition and the Rangers at home with plus money on the run line is too good to pass up. This is another spot where the bookmakers are giving you real value.
Tampa Bay Rays vs Toronto Blue Jays - Under 7.5
Both the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays have shown a tendency toward pitcher-friendly games. The Under 7.5 at +100 on theScore Bet is a free-money price - you are getting even money on a total under at a line that already leans toward low-scoring play. Even odds on an under in a game featuring two teams that can struggle offensively is exceptional value and a great parlay building block.
Recommended Parlay Combinations
Parlay 1 - The Value Trio (+479 combined)
- Atlanta Braves ML (-104, FanDuel) - Elite team at near pick-em price against the worst roster in baseball
- New York Yankees -1.5 (+140, BetMGM) - Yankees run line at plus money is outstanding value
- Cleveland Guardians/San Francisco Giants Under 7.5 (-105, Hard Rock Bet) - Low-scoring pitchers duel in Cleveland
This three-leg parlay combines a standout value moneyline with a plus-money run line and a sharp under. Combined odds land around +479.
Parlay 2 - The Run Line Double (+357 combined)
- Texas Rangers -1.5 (+140, Fanatics) - Rangers at home vs a weak Washington squad
- Atlanta Braves ML (-104, FanDuel) - Braves at near-even price is the bet of the day
- Tampa Bay Rays/Toronto Blue Jays Under 7.5 (+100, theScore Bet) - Even money on a low total is free value
A slightly safer three-legger with two strong favorites and an even-money under. Combined odds sit around +357.
Parlay 3 - The Aggressive Run Line Parlay (+696 combined)
- Atlanta Braves -1.5 (+160, Hard Rock Bet) - Braves to win by two or more vs the White Sox
- New York Yankees -1.5 (+140, BetMGM) - Yankees to cover against an inconsistent Orioles rotation
- Texas Rangers -1.5 (+140, Fanatics) - Rangers at home against the struggling Nationals
Three run lines all at plus money makes this a high-risk, high-reward combination. If your three favorites all win comfortably - which is absolutely in play today - this parlay cashes at around +696. This is the aggressive ticket for bettors looking for a big Thursday score.
Best Value Bets on the Board
- Atlanta Braves ML -104 (FanDuel) - The single best value on the slate. A team of Atlanta's quality at minus odds this short is rare.
- Tampa Bay Rays/Toronto Blue Jays Under 7.5 +100 (theScore Bet) - Even money on a sub-8 total is a gift from the books.
- Kansas City Royals -1.5 +162 (FanDuel) - The Royals are big favorites over the Athletics and +162 on a run line is among the best spreads on the board today. High risk but exceptional reward if Kansas City rolls.
Responsible gambling reminder: Betting should be fun - always wager within your means and never chase losses.
