MLB Player Props – How to Profit from Individual Performances
The MLB season is packed with opportunities for bettors to cash in. While popular teams like the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers often steal the spotlight, smart bettors know the real money lies beyond traditional bets like run lines, totals, and spreads.
If you’re looking to boost your betting game this season, player props are the way to go. Instead of focusing on the entire team’s outcome, you zero in on individual player performances, making for some high-value opportunities. Here’s a guide to some of the most profitable MLB player props you should be betting on this year.
Total Bases
Betting on total bases is a popular prop because it tracks how many bases a player racks up during a game. Every hit counts differently: a single is one base, a double is two, a triple is three, and a home run is four. Walks and hit-by-pitches don’t count toward this total.
Why It’s Popular:
- Player-Centric: You’re betting on the individual star players and can take advantage of favorable matchups.
- Exploiting Matchups: If a player tends to perform well against a certain pitcher, you can cash in by betting on them to hit for more total bases.
Key Strategy:
- Study Matchups: Look at how specific players have done against certain pitchers. For example, some hitters thrive against certain types of pitchers, giving you a chance to bet on their total bases hitting the over.
For instance, if a batter consistently smacks hits against a struggling pitcher, betting on the over for total bases could bring in some easy money.
Strikeouts (Over/Under)
Betting on strikeouts lets you wager on how many Ks a particular pitcher will throw in a game. The sportsbook sets a number, and you bet whether the pitcher will go over or under that total.
Why It’s Popular:
- Simple to Follow: Tracking strikeouts is easy, and this prop keeps you engaged throughout the game.
- Good Payouts: The odds are typically balanced for both over and under, making this bet valuable on either side.
Key Strategy:
- Analyze the Pitcher’s Stats: Some pitchers, like Max Scherzer or Jacob deGrom, are strikeout machines, while others may struggle. Check out the pitcher’s recent performances and how often the opposing team strikes out before placing your bet.
If the team they’re facing tends to strike out a lot, betting the over on strikeouts could be a smart move.
Hits + Runs + RBIs
This prop combines three key stats hits, runs, and RBIs and lets you bet on a player’s total contributions to the game. It’s a great way to cover a player’s offensive performance without focusing on just one stat.
Why It’s Popular:
- All-In-One Bet: Instead of betting on one stat, this prop covers a player’s overall offensive output.
- Focus on Star Players: Players who hit high in the lineup and are consistently involved in scoring are ideal for this type of bet.
Key Strategy:
- Pick Power Hitters: Target players who tend to rack up hits, score runs, and drive in RBIs. Players like Aaron Judge or Mookie Betts, who are consistent at the plate and bat high in the order, are perfect for this type of wager.
Hits: Yes or No?
One of the simplest props you can bet on: will a player record a hit in the game yes or no? It’s a straightforward, fun bet that gives you a quick win or loss.
Why It’s Popular:
- No Fuss: All you need to do is decide if a player will get a hit or not. Simple as that.
- Quick Results: Once the player gets a hit (or doesn’t), the bet is settled.
Key Strategy:
- Recent Form Is Key: Look at the player’s recent hitting streaks and how they’ve performed against the opposing pitcher. If a player is hot at the plate, betting yes could be a solid play. On the flip side, if they’re facing a dominant pitcher, betting no might pay off.
Why Smart Bettors Love MLB Player Props
Baseball is a favorite among sharp bettors for a few key reasons:
- Predictable Trends: Over a long season, the best teams win a lot, and the worst teams lose a lot. That consistency helps sharps make smarter, more informed decisions.
- Leverage Matchups: With tons of data available like hitter vs. pitcher stats, ballpark dimensions, and recent performances—player props give you tons of opportunities to capitalize on favorable matchups.
Traditional bets like run lines and totals can be a gamble, but player props allow you to focus on individual players and situations, which often leads to a clearer path to profit.
Cash In with MLB Player Props
Betting on MLB player props is a fun and profitable way to enjoy baseball this season. By focusing on individual performances, you can spot high-value opportunities in favorable matchups. Whether you’re betting on total bases, strikeouts, or hits + runs + RBIs, player props offer a variety of options for both seasoned bettors and those just looking to have some fun.
As always, the key is research dig into pitcher vs. hitter matchups, follow player form, and keep an eye on injuries or lineup changes. With the right strategy, player props can help you win big all season long.
FAQs
How do I win a hits: yes or no prop bet?
To win, simply predict whether a player will get a hit during the game. Research recent form and matchups to improve your chances.
What are MLB player props?
MLB player props are bets based on individual player performances, like total bases, strikeouts, or hits, instead of betting on the game’s final result.
How do I bet on total bases?
You bet on the number of bases a player will accumulate in a game. Singles, doubles, triples, and home runs all count, while walks and hit-by-pitches do not.
What’s a good strategy for betting strikeouts?
Check out the pitcher’s recent strikeout numbers and the opposing team’s strikeout tendencies to decide whether to bet the over or under on the listed total.
Are player props better than traditional bets?
Player props can often be more profitable because they allow you to focus on specific matchups, giving you an edge with the right research.