Plus Money Picks — 2026-06-23

Houston Astros are the plus-money side worth taking because the Astros have enough thump and enough top-end talent to make this price feel a little too generous. When an underdog can plausibly own the best hitter in the game and does not need a fluky script to win, that is usually the kind of ticket worth carrying.

The Astros can absolutely do their share of the scoring. Yordan Alvarez comes in with 25 home runs and one of the loudest first halves in the league, and Houston's lineup is stable enough to keep pressure on even if the game starts slowly. Peter Lambert does not have to dominate for this play to work; he just has to keep the game from getting away before the middle innings, where the Astros' offense can change the balance with one big swing.

Toronto Blue Jays's best argument is tied directly to Shane Bieber, who is set to make his 2026 debut after returning from elbow inflammation. If he looks fully built up right away, the Blue Jays can justify favorite status. But that is still a leap in a first game back, and Houston has too much offensive punch to ignore at a plus number. The underdog angle still belongs to the Astros.