A Simple Guide to MLB Game Prop Bets for the 2025 Season
The 2025 MLB season is kicking off soon, and fans everywhere are buzzing with excitement, wondering which team will rise to the top. Last year, the Houston Astros claimed the World Series title, and this season, teams like the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Atlanta Braves are back to battle it out. As the games unfold, bettors will have tons of chances to cash in on the action.
Baseball is a favorite for serious bettors thanks to its long season and the variety of betting options available. While most are familiar with betting on moneyline, run line, and totals, prop bets offer an exciting alternative that allows you to focus on specific game moments or player performances. Let’s dive into the most popular MLB game props and how you can make the most of them.
Will There Be a Score in the First Inning?
This is one of the simplest and fastest prop bets in baseball: You’re betting on whether there will be a score in the first inning. It’s perfect for those looking for quick results.
Why People Love It:
- Instant Payout: You know within the first 10 minutes if you’ve won or lost.
- High Energy: The first inning sets the tone, and teams often come out aggressive, especially with today’s offensive focus.
How to Win:
- Check the Pitchers: This bet often comes down to the starting pitchers. If both teams have aces with strong ERAs, betting on no score might be smart. On the other hand, shaky pitchers make a score more likely.
- Look at Team Trends: Teams that frequently score early in games are your best bets. Analyze their recent performances in the first inning before placing your wager.
Total Hits + Runs + Errors
This prop combines the total number of hits, runs, and errors for both teams. It’s a fun way to stay engaged with the game, even if you don’t want to bet on the winner.
Why It’s Fun:
- All About Stats: Baseball is a stat-driven game, and this bet lets you dive into both offense and defense.
- Action Throughout the Game: You’re not just waiting for a final score you’re tracking every hit, run, and error.
How to Play:
- Know Your Teams: Focus on teams with strong offenses or weak defenses. If two powerhouse hitting teams are facing off, betting the over might be the move. For games with elite pitchers, the under could be your friend.
- Keep an Eye on Pitchers: If a team has a weak bullpen, late runs could push the total up. Pitching matchups, especially with struggling relief, can heavily influence this bet.
Double Result Bet
The Double Result prop adds excitement by making both the first half (usually the first five innings) and the full game matter. You’re betting on outcomes like:
- Who wins the first half and who wins the entire game.
- First-half winner loses the second half but still wins overall.
- Or even a tie at halftime with various second-half outcomes.
Why It’s Popular:
- Tons of Possibilities: With several outcomes to bet on, this prop offers higher odds and more flexibility.
- Keeps You Engaged: You’re invested in both the early and late innings, making the whole game exciting.
How to Approach It:
- Analyze Team Performance: Some teams start strong but struggle later in games, which could make a double-result bet worth your while.
- Look at the Pitching: A dominant starter could carry a team through the first five innings, but if the bullpen is weak, things could fall apart later. Knowing the teams’ pitching rotations is key.
Alternative Run Lines
Like football’s point spreads, alternative run lines let you adjust the standard baseball run line of -1.5 or +1.5 to something like -2.5 or +2.5, with bigger potential payouts.
Why It’s Popular:
- Better Payouts: Adjusting the spread can give you much higher odds. If a team is a heavy favorite, moving the run line to -2.5 can boost your winnings.
- Perfect for Confident Bettors: If you’re confident a team will win by a significant margin, alternative run lines can pay off big.
When to Bet It:
- Look for Mismatches: If a strong team is playing a weaker one, it might be worth betting they’ll win by 3 or more runs.
- Check the Lineups: A high-scoring team with solid pitching might be able to cover a bigger spread, making this a smart bet.
Stat-Based Prop Bets: Home Runs, Strikeouts, and More
There are tons of stat-based prop bets you can explore, including:
- Total Home Runs: Bet on how many home runs both teams will hit.
- Total Strikeouts: Wager on how many strikeouts a specific pitcher will record.
- Player-Specific Props: Focus on individual performances, like a player’s total hits, home runs, or RBIs.
Why They’re Fun:
- Player-Centric: You get to bet on your favorite players and root for their success.
- In-Game Excitement: You’ll be glued to every pitch, swing, and defensive play, making the game even more engaging.
How to Win:
- Do Your Research: Look into recent player stats, pitching matchups, and ballpark factors. For example, a hitter-friendly park could lead to more home runs, while a top-tier strikeout pitcher could dominate a weak offense.
How to Crush It with MLB Prop Bets
Prop bets are an exciting way to dive deeper into the action during the MLB season. By focusing on specific elements like first-inning scoring, combined hits/runs/errors, or even individual player performance, you can keep every inning interesting and boost your chances of winning.
With so many different props available, you can build a diverse betting strategy and go for those higher odds. Whether you’re an experienced bettor or just looking to add more fun to your baseball watching, MLB prop bets are a great way to make the games even more thrilling.
FAQs
What are stat-based prop bets?
These bets focus on individual player stats, like how many home runs, strikeouts, or hits a player will get in a game.
What are MLB prop bets?
Prop bets are wagers on specific in-game events, like total runs, home runs, or whether there will be a score in the first inning.
How do you win a first-inning score prop bet?
You win by correctly predicting whether a run will be scored in the first inning, which depends a lot on the starting pitchers and offensive tendencies.
What is a Double Result bet in MLB?
A Double Result bet involves picking the winner of both the first half (typically five innings) and the full game.
What is an alternative run line in baseball?
An alternative run line lets you adjust the standard run line for bigger payouts, such as betting on a favorite to win by 3 or more runs instead of 2.