What Are MLB Player Props? A Simple Guide to Baseball Prop Betting
When it comes to betting on MLB games, most people focus on things like moneylines or over/under totals. But if you want to dig deeper and find hidden value, MLB player prop bets are where it’s at. These bets let you focus on individual player performances, which is key in a sport where individual stats can make or break a game. Instead of worrying about which team wins, you’re placing bets on things like how many strikeouts a pitcher will get or how many hits a batter will rack up.
Let’s walk through some of the most popular MLB player props and how you can turn them into winning bets this season.
Pitcher’s Total Strikeouts (Over/Under)
A classic MLB player prop is betting on how many strikeouts a pitcher will throw in a game. The sportsbook sets a line, and you bet whether the pitcher will record more (over) or fewer (under) strikeouts than that number.
What to Look For:
- How Often the Opposing Team Strikes Out: Some teams strike out more than others. Check the team’s strikeout rate before you bet.
- Pitcher’s History Against the Opponent: Certain pitchers just own specific teams. Look at past performances to see if the pitcher tends to dominate or struggle.
- Pitcher’s Current Form: Is the pitcher on a hot streak? Recent form matters. A pitcher throwing well lately is more likely to go over.
Example:
If Max Scherzer has his strikeout line set at 7.5, you’d bet over if you think he’ll record 8 or more strikeouts, and under if you think he’ll finish with 7 or fewer.
Batter’s Total Runs/Hits/RBIs (Over/Under)
In this prop bet, you’re looking at how much a specific batter will contribute in terms of runs, hits, and RBIs combined. The sportsbook sets a total, and you simply bet whether the player will go over or under that number.
What to Look For:
- Hot Streaks: If a batter has been hitting well recently, they’re more likely to fill the stat sheet.
- Pitcher-Batter Matchups: Some hitters just mash against certain pitchers. Knowing the history between the two can give you an edge.
- Where They Hit in the Lineup: Hitters near the top or middle of the lineup will get more opportunities to rack up hits, runs, and RBIs.
Example:
If Aaron Judge has a line of 3.5 total runs, hits, and RBIs, and you think he’ll go 2-for-4 with a homer and 2 RBIs, you’d bet the over.
Will a Player Hit a Home Run, Get a Hit, or Steal a Base?
These are straightforward Yes/No prop bets. You’re betting on whether or not a specific player will hit a home run, record a hit, or steal a base during the game.
What to Look For:
- Home Run Bets: This is all about power hitters. Look for matchups where the pitcher tends to give up home runs.
- Hit Bets: If a batter is known for consistently getting on base or is in a hot streak, this can be a solid bet.
- Steal Bets: Speedy players thrive when they face pitchers and catchers who struggle to prevent stolen bases.
Example:
If you bet on Mookie Betts to steal a base and he does, you win the bet. It’s that simple!
Head-to-Head Player Props
This type of prop compares two players in a specific stat, like strikeouts, hits, or home runs. The fun part? The players don’t even have to be playing against each other.
What to Look For:
- Pitchers Head-to-Head: If you’re betting on which pitcher will get more strikeouts, analyze their matchups and recent form.
- Hitters Head-to-Head: When it comes to batters, compare how well each has been hitting lately, especially against the pitchers they’ll face.
Example:
If you bet on Jacob deGrom to get more strikeouts than Clayton Kershaw in their respective games, you’ll win the bet if deGrom racks up more K’s.
Why You Should Bet on MLB Player Props
MLB player props are a smart way to add variety to your betting strategy. Here’s why they’re worth trying:
- You’re Betting on Individuals, Not Teams: Instead of stressing over which team will win, you’re just following individual performances.
- Data-Driven Bets: These bets are all about research. By studying matchups, player form, and historical data, you can find great value.
- More Fun: Let’s be real—betting on whether a player will hit a home run or steal a base adds some extra excitement to the game.
Make MLB Player Props Part of Your Betting Strategy
If you’re looking to level up your baseball betting, MLB player props are the way to go. By focusing on things like strikeouts, total runs/hits/RBIs, or head-to-head matchups, you can find value in matchups that might not stand out with traditional bets. Do your homework, look at recent trends, and you’ll be well on your way to cashing in on these bets throughout the season.
FAQs
- What are MLB player props?
They’re bets focused on individual player performances, like how many strikeouts a pitcher will throw or how many hits a batter will get. - How do I bet on pitcher strikeouts?
You bet whether a pitcher will go over or under a certain number of strikeouts, based on things like the opposing team’s tendencies and the pitcher’s recent performance. - What should I check before betting on hitter props?
Look at the player’s recent form, how they match up against the pitcher, and where they hit in the lineup. - Are player props easier to win than traditional bets?
They can be! If you do your research, player props allow you to focus on individual stats, which might be more predictable than team outcomes. - What’s a head-to-head player prop?
It’s a bet that compares two players’ stats (like strikeouts or hits) to see who performs better on a given day.