Best MLB Player Props for Today

What is an MLB prop bet?

An MLB prop bet is a wager on specific events or outcomes within a baseball game that don’t directly relate to the final score. These can include bets on individual player performances, team milestones or unique in-game occurrences.

Prop bets add variety to betting by focusing on specific aspects of the game beyond just who wins or loses.

Why bet on MLB props?

Betting on MLB props offers unique opportunities for bettors to capitalize on specific player performances and game situations, enhancing engagement and enjoyment. It allows for strategic sports betting beyond traditional outcomes, often providing better odds and insights into individual matchups and trends.

Types of MLB Prop Bets

MLB prop bets can be divided into several categories, each offering distinct opportunities for bettors to explore:

• Player Prop Bets: These focus on individual player performances, such as the number of hits, home runs or strikeouts a player will achieve in a game. Bettors can leverage player statistics and head-to-head matchups to make more well-informed betting decisions.
• Team Prop Bets: These involve wagers on team-specific outcomes, like the total number of runs a team will score, whether a team will hit a certain number of home runs or if a team will win by a particular margin. These bets require a good understanding of team dynamics and game strategies.
• Game Prop Bets: These bets cover specific events within a game, such as which team will score first, the total number of runs scored by both teams combined or whether the game will go into extra innings. Game props are often influenced by factors like weather, starting pitchers and recent team performance.
• Exotic Prop Bets: These wagers are less conventional and may include unusual or unique scenarios, such as predicting whether a specific player will hit for the cycle or if there will be a grand slam in the game. Exotic props add an element of fun and unpredictability to baseball betting.

Understanding these categories helps bettors target their wagers effectively, increasing the chances of success by focusing on areas where they have the most knowledge or insight.

Popular Major League Baseball Prop Betting Markets

Popular baseball prop betting markets offer a wide range of opportunities for bettors to explore various aspects of the game. Here are the main categories that dominate these markets:

Game Prop Betting

Game prop bets focus on specific events within a baseball game, offering bettors a chance to wager on outcomes that aren’t tied directly to the final score. These bets are popular because they allow for a deeper engagement with the game, letting bettors speculate on various aspects as the action unfolds.

Popular game prop bet options include:

• First Team to Score: This bet involves predicting which team will score the first run in the game. It’s influenced by factors like the starting pitchers and the strength of each team’s lineup.
• Total Runs Scored: Bettors can wager on the combined number of runs scored by both teams, usually set as an over/under by online sportsbooks. This market is ideal for those who like to analyze offensive and defensive matchups.
• Will the Game Go into Extra Innings?: This bet lets you wager on whether the game will require extra innings to determine a winner, adding excitement to games expected to be closely contested.

• Will There Be a Run in the First Inning?: Bet on whether either team will score in the first inning.
• Total Hits, Runs & Errors: Bet on the combined total of hits, runs and errors in a single game.
• Winning Margin by Innings: Bet on which team will be leading at specific innings, such as after the 5th inning.

Example: If the New York Yankees are playing the Boston Red Sox, a game prop bet might be on which team scores first. Based on the pitchers starting the game, you might wager that the Yankees will score first if they have a strong lineup against a weaker starting pitcher.

In the case of a total runs bet, if the line is set at 8.5, you might bet the over if both teams have powerful offenses and shaky pitching staffs.

When betting on game props, focus on the starting pitchers, recent team performance, weather conditions and any key player injuries that might influence the game. Understanding these factors can give you an edge in predicting outcomes that aren’t directly tied to the final score but play a crucial role in how the game unfolds.

Team Prop Betting

Team prop bets focus on specific outcomes related to a team’s performance in an individual game, rather than the final score. These bets allow you to wager on how a team will perform in various aspects, offering more targeted betting opportunities.

Common team prop betting options include:

• Total Team Runs: This bet involves wagering on the number of runs a specific team will score in a game, usually offered as an over/under line. Consider factors like the team’s offensive talent and home-field advantage when placing this totals prop bet.
• Team Home Runs: Baseball bettors can wager on whether a team will hit a certain number of home runs in a game. This matchup prop bet requires knowledge of the team’s power hitters and the opposing pitcher’s tendencies.
• Winning Margin: This common type of prop bet allows you to wager on the margin by which a baseball team will win an individual game. For example, you can bet on whether a team will win by 1-2 runs, 3-4 runs, etc.

• Total Team Hits: Bet on the total number of hits a team will record during the game.
• First Team to X Runs: Bet on which team will reach a specific number of runs first, such as 3 or 5 runs.
• Will the Team Hit a Home Run?: With this bet, sports fans wager on whether a team will hit at least one home run during the game.

Example: If the Los Angeles Dodgers are playing the San Francisco Giants, you might bet on the Dodgers to score over 4.5 runs, based on their recent offensive form and the Giants’ starting pitcher’s struggles.

Alternatively, you might wager on the Dodgers hitting over 1.5 home runs in the game if they’re facing a pitcher prone to giving up long balls.

When placing team prop bets, consider the team’s recent offensive performance, the strength of the opposing pitcher and any relevant matchups. Weather conditions, such as wind direction, can also impact factors like home runs. Keeping an eye on these elements can help you make more informed wagers on team-specific outcomes.

Individual Player Prop Betting

Player prop bets are wagers on individual player performances within a game. These bets allow sports bettors to focus on specific achievements by players, providing opportunities to leverage in-depth knowledge of player stats and matchups.

Bettors frequently explore the following player prop betting options:

• Total Hits: This bet involves wagering on the number of hits a batter will get in a game. It’s popular among bettors who follow player form and the quality of opposing pitchers.
• Home Runs: Bettors can wager on whether a specific player will hit a home run during the game. This bet is ideal for those who track power hitters and favorable pitching matchups.
• Strikeouts (Pitcher Prop): This bet allows you to wager on how many strikeouts a pitcher will record in a game, usually offered as an over/under line. It’s a favorite among those who analyze pitching stats and opposing team weaknesses.

• Total Bases (Over/Under): With the total bases prop, you bet on the total number of bases a player will achieve, including singles, doubles, triples and home runs.
• RBIs (Runs Batted In): RBIs props let you wager on how many RBIs a single player will record in a baseball game.
• Stolen Bases: With the stolen bases player prop, baseball bettors wager on whether an individual player will successfully steal a base during the game.

Example: If Shohei Ohtani is pitching against the Texas Rangers, you might bet on him recording over 7.5 strikeouts, considering his high strikeout rate and the Rangers’ tendency to strike out frequently.

Alternatively, if Aaron Judge is facing a pitcher known for giving up home runs, you might wager on Judge hitting a home run in the game.

When betting on player props, focus on the player’s recent form, the quality of the opposing pitcher or lineup and any relevant matchups. Weather conditions and the ballpark can also impact player performance, especially in bets involving home runs. By analyzing these factors, you can make more informed bets on individual player outcomes.

World Series & Future Prop Betting

World Series and future prop bets are wagers on long-term outcomes related to the MLB season, including season-long player performances and team achievements. These bets require a broader perspective and are popular for their potential high payouts.

Key future prop betting options include:

• World Series Winner: This popular type of bet involves wagering on which team will win the World Series. Bettors often place these bets before or during the baseball season, with odds fluctuating based on team performance and key injuries.
• League Winners & Division Winners: Similar to the World Series bet, but focused on predicting the winners of specific leagues (American or National) or divisions. These bets allow you to capitalize on strong teams within their respective groups.
• Season-Long Player Performance: These full-season MLB prop bets focus on individual player achievements over the entire season, such as betting on who will win the MVP award, lead the league in home runs or record the most strikeouts. These individual prop bets require a deep understanding of player talent, potential and durability.

Example: If you believe the Atlanta Braves have a strong roster and favorable strength of schedule, you might place a future wager on them to win the World Series at attractive odds set by sportsbook oddsmakers early in the season.

For player-focused futures, you might bet on a pitcher like Gerrit Cole to lead the league in strikeouts, based on his track record and consistency.

When placing World Series and future prop bets, consider factors like team depth, key player injuries, offseason acquisitions and overall team momentum. For player futures, focus on consistency, injury history and the player’s role on their team. These bets often require patience, as they take the entire season to resolve, but they can offer significant rewards if your predictions are accurate.

Parlay Prop Betting

Parlay prop bets combine multiple prop wagers into a single bet, offering higher potential payouts by multiplying the odds of each individual prop. However, all selected props must win for the parlay to pay out, making it a riskier but potentially more rewarding betting strategy.

Popular options for parlaying prop bets are:

• Player Performance Parlays: Combine multiple player props, such as a player to hit a home run, another player to record multiple hits and a pitcher to achieve a certain number of strikeouts. This type of parlay allows you to leverage your knowledge of individual player matchups in a single wager.
• Game Outcome & Prop Parlays: Pair game-related props, like a team to win and a specific player to hit a home run or record a certain number of RBIs. This parlay adds a layer of strategy by combining game outcomes with player performances.
• Multi-Game Prop Parlays: Combine props from different games, such as one player to hit a home run in the first game and another player to record a win in a separate game. This type of parlay can spread the risk across multiple games while still offering the potential for a significant payout.

Example: If the New York Yankees are playing the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers are playing the San Francisco Giants, you could parlay Aaron Judge to hit a home run in the Yankees game, Mookie Betts to record two or more hits in the Dodgers game and both teams to win. If all three outcomes occur, the combined odds would result in a higher payout than betting on each prop individually.

When placing parlay prop bets, it’s important to carefully analyze each component of the parlay, as the risk increases with each additional prop. Focus on strong correlations between the props, such as a team’s performance aligning with key player achievements. While the potential payout is higher, keep in mind that all legs of the parlay must win for the bet to succeed, so it’s crucial to choose each prop wisely.

Regular Season Release Timing for MLB Prop Bets

Understanding the release timing of MLB prop bets is crucial for making informed wagers. Different types of prop bets become available at varying times, reflecting their unique characteristics and the data they rely on. Knowing when these prop betting options are released can give you an edge in your overall online sports betting strategy:

• Game-Based Prop Bets: These bets are usually made available a day or two before the game. This timing ensures that the latest pitching matchups, weather conditions and other key data are considered before you place your bets.
• Team-Based Prop Bets: Released a few days before each game, these bets depend on team-specific dynamics and matchups, such as total runs scored or team home runs in a game.
• Season-Long Prop Bets: These bets are generally set by sportsbook oddsmakers during the MLB offseason, long before Opening Day. They cover outcomes such as MVP winners, total home runs by a player or total wins by a team over the season.
• World Series Prop Bets: Due to the significant interest and the wide variety of prop wagers available, the odds for this bet type are often released weeks ahead of the MLB postseason. This includes bets on the World Series winner, MVP and other unique events tied to the championship.

When it comes to MLB betting, timing can make all the difference. By knowing when various prop bets are released by the top sportsbook operators, you can stay ahead of the game and capitalize on the latest information.

Critical Baseball Betting Factors

When placing MLB prop bets, several key factors can significantly impact your chances of success. Understanding and analyzing these elements can help you make more informed wagers:

• Player Performance: Analyze recent player stats, including batting averages, home run frequency and strikeout rates. Understanding a player’s current form and consistency can guide your bets, especially for player-specific props.
• Pitching Matchups: The quality of starting pitchers and bullpens can heavily influence game and player outcomes. Consider how hitters have performed against particular pitchers in the past and the pitcher’s ability to control the game.
• Team Dynamics: Team form, chemistry and recent performance trends are crucial. A team on a winning streak with a strong lineup may perform better in specific prop markets, such as total runs or home runs.
• Ballpark Factors: Different stadiums have varying dimensions and conditions that can affect gameplay. For example, certain parks are more conducive to home runs, while others favor pitchers. Take this into account when betting on props like total home runs or extra-base hits.
• Weather Conditions: Weather can impact game dynamics, particularly wind speed and direction, which can affect fly balls and home runs. Check out our MLB weather report before placing bets on game or player outcomes that the weather could influence.
• Injury Reports: Stay updated on player injuries, as they can dramatically change the outlook of a game. A key player’s absence can impact team performance and specific prop bets tied to that player’s role.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can improve your decision-making process and increase your chances of success when betting on MLB props.

Tips for Prop Betting at Online Sportsbooks

When it comes to MLB prop betting, implementing effective strategies can greatly enhance your chances of success. Here are some essential tips for both new and seasoned bettors:

• Line Shopping: Always compare odds across multiple legal sportsbooks before placing your bet. Different legal sportsbooks, such as FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook, may offer slightly different betting lines or odds for the same prop, so finding the best value is key to maximizing your potential return.
• Utilize Sportsbook Bonuses & Promos: Take advantage of promotions, such as risk-free bets, bonus bets, deposit bonuses and boosted odds, which can provide significant value and reduce your overall risk. These special offers can be particularly beneficial when trying out new prop bets.
• Sign Up With Multiple Sportsbooks: Having accounts with several of the top online sportsbooks gives you access to a wider variety of props and allows you to shop for the best lines. This flexibility is crucial for finding the best odds and taking advantage of promotions.
• Focus on Your Strengths: Stick to prop bets where you have the most knowledge or insight, whether it’s player performance, pitching matchups or team dynamics. Specializing in specific areas can give you a strategic edge over generalists.
• Consider Betting on Undervalued Props: Props that seem less popular or receive less attention may offer better value. If you’ve done your research and found an overlooked opportunity, betting on it can lead to higher payouts.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest MLB news, injury reports and player performance trends. Being well-informed allows you to make better predictions and avoid pitfalls that others might miss.
• Use Sports Betting Picks: If you’re new to prop betting or unsure about your choices, consider using our computer picks and predictions to guide your wagers. These can be particularly helpful in understanding betting trends and refining your strategy.
• Bet Responsibly: It’s important to manage your bankroll wisely. Set a budget for your bets and stick to it, avoiding the temptation to chase losses. Betting within your means ensures that your sports betting experience remains enjoyable and sustainable.

By applying these tips and strategies, you can improve your approach to MLB prop betting, making more informed decisions and increasing your chances of a successful outcome.

Advanced Tips for Betting Props

For experienced bettors looking to elevate their MLB prop betting strategy, advanced techniques can provide a significant edge. Here are some strategies that go beyond the basics:

• Leverage Advanced Metrics: Utilize advanced baseball statistics, such as wOBA (Weighted On-Base Average), FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) and BABIP (Batting Average on Balls in Play), to gain deeper insights into player and team performance. These metrics can reveal underlying strengths or weaknesses not apparent in traditional stats, helping you make more informed prop bets.
• Identify Betting Market Inefficiencies: Look for props where the odds don’t fully reflect the current conditions or the true likelihood of an event occurring. For example, if a player’s recent performance is underappreciated by oddsmakers, there may be value in betting on that player’s props before the market adjusts.
• Correlated Props: When constructing parlays, consider correlated props, where the outcome of one bet increases the likelihood of another. For example, if you believe a strong pitcher will dominate a game, you might parlay their strikeout prop with an under on total runs. Be cautious, though, as some sportsbooks may limit or disallow correlated parlays.
• Fade Public Sentiment: The betting public often drives certain props to inflated odds due to popularity or hype. By fading public sentiment and betting against overvalued props, you can capitalize on more realistic odds. This approach works well when the public’s perception of a player or team doesn’t align with statistical realities.
• Monitor Line Movement: Pay attention to how prop lines move as game time approaches. Significant line movement can indicate sharp money (bets from professional bettors) or new information influencing the market. If you can identify why the line is moving and it aligns with your analysis, you may find a valuable betting opportunity.
• Exploit Weather & Park Factors: Weather conditions and ballpark dimensions can greatly influence game outcomes. For example, wind blowing out at Wrigley Field can lead to more home runs, while a pitcher-friendly park like Oracle Park might suppress scoring. Tailor your prop bets to exploit these conditions, especially when oddsmakers have not fully adjusted the lines.
• Hedge Your Bets: If you’ve placed a prop bet that’s looking less likely to hit, consider hedging by placing a counter bet that minimizes your potential loss. This strategy is particularly useful in live betting, where you can react to how the game unfolds in real time.
• Use Data Analytics Tools: Advanced bettors often use software or online betting tools to model games and simulate outcomes. These tools, betting models and game simulations can offer a significant betting edge over traditional handicapping methods.

By incorporating these advanced strategies into your MLB prop betting approach, you can refine your tactics, identify undervalued opportunities and ultimately increase your profitability over the long term.

Conclusion

MLB prop betting offers a dynamic and engaging way to enhance your baseball betting experience. By understanding the different types of prop bets, from game and team props to player-specific and season-long futures, you can tailor your strategy to your strengths and interests.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for basic tips or an experienced bettor seeking advanced techniques, this guide provides the insights you need to make informed and strategic prop bets. Stay informed, manage your bankroll wisely and always look for value in the odds to maximize your chances of success.

MLB Player Props: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a prop bet in baseball?

In the context of baseball, prop bets are centered on particular events or situations that take place during a game, typically without any direct influence on the final outcome.

Can you make money on prop bets?

There is certainly money that can be made by placing a prop bet. Studying the elements that can affect the performance of players and teams is essential when it comes to boosting your potential profits from prop bets.

How do MLB player props work?

Player prop markets in Major League Baseball involve predicting results that stem from a single player’s performance, such as the number of hits, home runs, strikeouts or other statistical achievements.

How many players are on an MLB team?

This varies depending on the MLB season and due to factors such as suspensions and injuries, but typically there are around 26 to 28 players per team.

How do you find good player props?

You can find good player prop options by staying up to date with team news and injury reports as well as taking advantage of the offerings from industry-leading online sports betting sites, including BookMaker and BetOnline.