Rays vs. Cardinals Predictions, Picks & Odds For Opening Day Game 1

The Cardinals, too, had a poor 2025 season after missing the playoffs for a third straight year. Moreover, the 78-84 record is flattering to their performance on the field. They may collect a lot fewer wins this year with a new front office putting the team through a rebuilding phase.

Rays vs. Cardinals Starting Pitchers

Drew Rasmussen is the Opening Day starter for the Tampa Bay Rays. The 30-year-old was an All-Star last year before finishing with the best campaign of his six-year MLB career. He posted 4.4 bWAR with a 10-5 record to take a top 10 spot in the Cy Young voting. Rasmussen logged 150.0 innings over 31 starts with a 2.76 ERA.

Matthew Liberatore will be the starting pitcher by the St. Louis Cardinals for their home opener of the 2026 season. He is arguably their most reliable option on the rotation with Sonny Gray no longer on the team. The 25-year-old left-hander had a decent first season as a full-time starter. Liberatore posted 151.0 innings in 20 appearances with a 4.21 ERA and 1.305 WHIP.

Rays vs. Cardinals Betting Odds

Rays vs. Cardinals Expert Prediction

From an offensive standpoint, the Tampa Bay Rays seemingly have more firepower than their opponents. Yandy Diaz, Jonathan Aranda, and Junior Caminero are obviously their three big bats in the middle of the lineup. But the Rays carry a lot of speed and aggression on the basepaths, leading the MLB by a wide margin with 194 stolen bases last year.

Defensively, the St. Louis Cardinals are a solid team with young stars like Masyn Winn and Victor Scott II on the field. But scoring enough runs to win games is a tougher challenge for them this year after offloading most of their top performers from last season. Therefore, contributions from Alec Burleson and Ivan Herrera will be vital for them offensively.

Score Prediction: Rays 5, Cardinals 3

Note: Remember that odds are subject to change for those placing MLB home run prop bets, and outcomes are never guaranteed.