Miami Marlins vs Los Angeles Dodgers Picks and Predictions May 5th 2025

Dodgers-Marlins Series Brings Out World of Contrasts

There may be no more jarring matchup in Major League Baseball this week than the Los Angeles Dodgers visiting the Miami Marlins. The star power, payroll, and performance divide between the two clubs is hard to miss—and harder to ignore.

Firepower vs. Fundamentals

The Dodgers enter the three-game series in Miami with one of the most intimidating offenses in the majors. They’re second in MLB with 54 home runs and third with 182 runs scored. Their lineup, stacked with talent like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Teoscar Hernández, has torched opposing pitching from coast to coast.

Unlock The Secrets To Winning With The Scores And Stats Blog.

“Shohei is back to doing what he does well,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said over the weekend. “The guys at the top of the order are carrying us right now.”

Ohtani, now fully back in rhythm, has delivered eight homers, nine stolen bases, and a .970 OPS. That’s just part of a Dodgers machine that also carries the heaviest payroll in the majors at more than $331 million—including deferred money to Ohtani.

Looking to stay ahead of the betting curve? Keep up with the latest MLB Picks and Parlays for every high-stakes matchup this week.

Miami’s Scrappy Hope

The Marlins, by contrast, sit at the bottom in salary ($67.9 million) and are trying to claw their way back from a brutal start. Losers in seven of their last eight games, they rely on breakout contributors and under-the-radar stories.

Kyle Stowers leads the team in nearly every offensive category, including batting average (.321) and RBIs (25). Dane Myers, an unheralded 29-year-old outfielder with a .922 OPS, has become a defensive highlight reel. Rookie catcher Agustin Ramirez is also off to a promising start.

“I think I’m at my best when I’m relaxed and trying to go to right field,” Myers said. “I usually don’t try to pull the ball. That’s when I get into a rut.”

Chasing Value in Monday’s Clash?

Find Your Edge Fast!

Start Now!

Mound Matchup: Alcantara Looks to Rebound

Miami will hope for a bounce-back start from Sandy Alcantara, the 2022 Cy Young winner who’s struggled early with an 8.31 ERA. Alcantara has especially struggled against the Dodgers, posting a 9.66 ERA in seven career starts.

Who’s Hot This Week? The Best Handicappers Leaderboard Reveals It All!

The Dodgers counter with Ben Casparius (3-0, 2.91 ERA), who’ll open a bullpen game. A fifth-round pick in 2021, Casparius has delivered quietly effective work and is unbeaten in his big-league appearances.