The San Diego Padres had a sensational trade deadline. From adding a feared closer to an already league-best bullpen, to acquiring much-needed bats to the lineup, it feels like every need from the first half of the season was addressed.

The Padres made 22 player moves ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline, acquiring key pieces to bolster their bullpen and offense for a playoff run.

After making some of the biggest splashes of the MLB trade deadline, the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners emerged as the biggest odds movers and most popular selections for bettors in the futures markets.

The St. Louis Cardinals (55-55) visit the San Diego Padres (60-49) open a 3-game series Friday at Petco Park. First pitch is scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Cardinals vs. Padres odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

The Cardinals (+130 underdog on the moneyline) are away versus the Padres (-155). The starting pitchers are Dylan Cease (3-10) for the San Diego Padres, and Andre Pallante (6-7) for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Preview the Aug. 3 matchup between the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.

Pregame analysis and predictions of the St. Louis Cardinals vs. San Diego Padres MLB game to be played on August 3, 2025 on ESPN.

St. Louis Cardinals' Masyn Winn watches his two-run double during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, in San Diego. San Diego Padres relief pitcher Yuki Matsui greets teammates in the dugout before the Padres host the St.