Welcome in to BettingPros. It’s time to look ahead to the futures market in the National League because baseball season begins tomorrow. To help us do it, we’ve got Chris Welsh and Scott Bogman joining us. And in case you missed it, we broke down the American League last week, so go back and check that out.

Let’s get into our National League Hard Rock Best Bets for the upcoming Major League Baseball season.

Joe Pisapia’s Hard Rock Best Bet: Freddy Peralta Over 200 Strikeouts (+220)

For me, this is a simple one: Freddy Peralta.

Three years in a row, he’s had at least 200 strikeouts. Pitching in a contract year, I do think they let him go out there a little bit more – maybe an extra start or two or another inning here and there.

I think that’s going to add up at the end of the day. For him to essentially stay healthy and make around 30 starts, +220 isn’t a bad price.

So give me Freddy Peralta to go over 200 strikeouts.

Joe Pisapia’s Hard Rock Best Bet: Freddy Peralta Over 200 Strikeouts (+220)

Chris Welsh’s Hard Rock Best Bet: Corbin Carroll to Lead MLB in Triples (+235)

Looking over in the NL, I was bouncing around a bunch of different things and I came across this:

There were only four players in 2025 that had double-digit triples. Only four players. The player with the least amount of games played had the most triples – and hit four more than the next guy. That was Corbin Carroll. I’m going with him at +235.

Carroll led the league with 17 triples last year. Number two was Jarren Duran, who had 13 – and Duran played 14 more games than Carroll.

He easily led the league in triples last year. Projections believe it. And you’re getting this at almost 2.5-1.

Those odds for Corbin Carroll to lead the league in triples when he did it last year, is projected to do it again, and could even benefit from suppressed power.

Chris Welsh’s Hard Rock Best Bet: Corbin Carroll to Lead MLB in Triples (+235)

Scott Bogman’s Hard Rock Best Bet: Edwin Díaz to Lead MLB in Saves (+400)

I’ll go with Edwin Díaz to lead the league in saves this year.

The Dodgers are obviously projected to win the most games and Edwin Díaz is one of the best closers in the league.

I did consider some alternate markets, like if he gets 40 or 50 saves, but honestly, 50 probably leads the league anyway. Last season, Carlos Estevez led with 42. Then Suarez had 40, and Andres Munoz had 38. That was the top of the board.

I think the Dodgers go out and get a guy like Edwin Díaz because they had so many blown saves last year.

If he cuts those blown saves in half and he’s the closer all year, he leads the league easily – and you’re getting +400.

Scott Bogman’s Hard Rock Best Bet: Edwin Díaz to Lead MLB in Saves (4-1)

We’ve made it to the final game of the college football season. This matchup between Indiana and Miami has been broken down every possible way, and by this point, the numbers, the film, and the matchups all point in the same direction.

These are the two bets we’re backing as our Hard Rock Best Bets for the National Championship:

Seth Woolcock’s Hard Rock Best Bet: Indiana -6.5 (-125)

I’m going with Indiana -6.5, boosted to -125. Since this game is taking place in their home state of Florida and at their home stadium, Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook gave me a profit boost that moved this number down a bit from the ugly juice I was paying earlier in the week.

This bet is currently live and available at Hard Rock Bet at -145, so I’ll gladly grab it at -125. I’ll take that all day.

After all, you only pay the juice if you lose, so I’m happy to lock this in as my Hard Rock Best Bet.

Scott Bogman’s Hard Rock Best Bet: Under 47.5

While I also like Indiana to cover the spread on Monday, I’m focusing on the game’s total for my Hard Rock Best Bet. I’m going with the under 47.5.

I have this game finishing somewhere around 28-17, which puts it at 45 points, and that’s with a late touchdown. I think this could be 21-17 late.

No one has scored more than Ole Miss did against Miami all year. Like I said, I do think Indiana wins the game, but I think they win on the back of their defense more than their offense in this game.

What’s going on, everybody? Last week, we landed right around .500 – but that means it’s time to bounce back strong. I’ve got a mix of spreads, totals, and a Hard Rock Best Bet of the Week I absolutely love. Let’s dive right into my favorite college football bets for Week 9.

Ole Miss (+5.5) at Oklahoma

The more I look at this matchup, the more I like Ole Miss catching points. Oklahoma’s defense has been solid, no doubt, but they haven’t faced an offense of this caliber yet. The Rebels rank 16th in scoring nationally, and Lane Kiffin’s group can put up points on anyone. Give me Ole Miss plus the points on the road.

BYU (+2.5) at Iowa State

This is my “fade-the-public” pick of the week. Everyone’s expecting a letdown from BYU after their emotional win over Utah, but I don’t see it. The Cougars are 7-0 and rolling, while Iowa State has been inconsistent and soft against the run – ranking 133rd out of 136 teams.

BYU loves to pound the rock, running the ball on 60 percent of its snaps. If Iowa State’s top interior lineman “Big Citrus” Dom Orange misses time, that physical run game is going to eat them alive. I think BYU not only covers but wins this one outright. Sprinkle a little on that moneyline if you’re feeling brave.

South Carolina Team Total Under 16.5

I’m doubling down on this one from last week. South Carolina’s offense is broken – plain and simple. The offensive line can’t protect LaNorris Sellers, and he’s forced to do everything himself. Against Oklahoma, their lone touchdown drive was gift-wrapped after a shanked punt.

Now they face Alabama, whose pass rush has been improving each week. Even though the Tide hasn’t been elite at getting sacks this season, they’re generating more pressure and that spells big trouble for an already-overwhelmed Gamecock front. Until South Carolina proves otherwise, the under 16.5 is an automatic play.

Cincinnati (-3.5) vs Baylor and Over 66.5

We’re going double up here – taking both the Bearcats -3.5 and the over 66.5. Both Cincinnati and Baylor play at lightning speed, each ranking inside the top 25 in pace. Baylor is 4th in the nation in offensive tempo, while Cincinnati sits 23rd.

That kind of pace means possessions galore and lots of scoring chances. Neither defense has shown much resistance lately, and with weather looking clear in this one, I expect fireworks. Cincy is the more complete team, so we’ll lay the 3.5 and hammer the over.

Auburn at Arkansas Over 56.5

Weather permitting, this is one of my favorite overs of the week. Arkansas can’t stop anyone, and Auburn’s offense is due for a breakout performance. Sam Pittman is gone, and interim-era games tend to open up – Bobby Petrino knows how to scheme up points.

Jackson Arnold hasn’t been consistent, but against this Razorbacks D, he won’t have to be perfect. If Saturday morning’s forecast calls for low wind and manageable rain, I’m pulling the trigger on the over 56.5.

Toledo at Washington State Under 46.5

We’re heading in the other direction in Pullman. There’s a 100% chance of rain and sustained winds near 17 mph. That kind of weather crushes passing efficiency, kicking, and special teams – basically everything that leads to points.

Toledo is a good MAC squad, but traveling across the country into this storm against a tough Washington State defense is a recipe for a low-scoring game. The under 46.5 is the play here.

Tennessee Team Total Over 31.5 at Kentucky

Kentucky looked great defensively last week, but I think that’s a mirage. Tennessee’s offense under Joey Aguilar has been balanced, efficient, and resilient. Mark Stoops’ Wildcats tend to play in waves – one week they’re locked in, the next they look lifeless.

Coming off that heartbreaking overtime loss to Texas, I expect a flat effort from Kentucky. The Vols have too many weapons to be held under 31.5 points. Expect a bounce-back offensive showcase.

Hard Rock Best Bet of the Week: Alabama -11 at South Carolina

Here it is, my Hard Rock Best Bet of the Week: Alabama -11 on the road at South Carolina.

Yes, the Gamecocks will bring their best effort. When you play Alabama, you always do. But this version of South Carolina just isn’t equipped to compete for four quarters. Their offensive line is crumbling, and once the Tide jump out to a two-score lead, they’ll force Sellers to throw behind that struggling line. That’s when the mistakes pile up.

I’ve watched this South Carolina team closely, and it’s tough to watch – the offense sputters, the defense spends too much time on the field, and it snowballs late. Alabama should control this game start to finish.

Final Card Recap: CFB Week 9

• Hard Rock Best Bet of the Week: Alabama -11 at South Carolina
• South Carolina team total under 16.5
• Ole Miss +5.5 at Oklahoma
• BYU +2.5 at Iowa State
• Cincinnati -3.5 vs Baylor
• Cincinnati/Baylor Over 66.5
• Auburn/Arkansas Over 56.5
• Toledo/Washington State Under 46.5
• Tennessee team total Over 31.5

Referenced odds and lines are subject to change.