The player prop is fast becoming one of the go-to bets for all sports bettors. In terms of MLB betting that often means we can look at how many strikeouts a pitcher might get or how many hits or total bases a hitter would get.
It’s a simple and fun way to bet on a game and have one outcome to root for. But, like all betting, it’s not without its risk. In this article, we’ll take you through some of our favorite player prop bets for the day in MLB action.
MLB Player Prop Bets: May 19th
Zac Gallen Over (5.5 Strikeouts)
I feel like Gallen isn’t getting enough respect. He’s come back from injury looking great, pitching to a 1.05 ERA, 0.67 WHIP, and 27.1% strikeout rate, which equates to 9.17 strikeouts per nine innings. He has also gone at least six innings in each of his last four games, so if he basically just keeps pitching as he has been, he should get six or seven strikeouts in six innings today.
However, the Cubs also rank 26th in baseball with a 24.7% strikeout rate and 17th with an 11.5% swinging-strike rate. I actually stopped writing this post to place a bet on this prop. You should too.
Want to learn more about MLB Player Prop Bets? Read our MLB Betting Resource Guide
Glenn Otto Under (4.5 Strikeouts)
Don’t get me wrong, I was excited by the changes Glenn Otto made as a minor leaguer last year; however, we have not seen it carry over to the majors. He has a 6.38 ERA so far this season with 7.85 strikeouts per nine innings. However, the concern is that he can often barely get through five innings.
He has completed five innings in two of his four starts and never more than that. That’s why the most strikeouts he’s had in a game this season is five. I’m not expecting him to match a season-high against this Astros team that is swinging the bats way better than they were when he faced them at the end of April.
Rafael Devers Over (1.5 Total Bases)
I know, I know, I’m betting against emerging superstar George Kirby. But here’s the thing, while Kirby has looked great to start his MLB career, he’s also relying very heavily on his fastball. His slider has just a 10.5% whiff rate and while his changeup has been solid, he only throws it 14% of the time.
That worries me a bit if he’s going to get three or four at-bats against Devers, who is hitting .340/.369/.588 with seven home runs and 21 RBIs on the season. All Devers needs to hit this prop is one double or a fly ball to left field that goes over the Monster. I’ll take my chances that it happens.
MJ Melendez over 0.5 total bases
Let’s end with a rookie. The rookie catcher has been coming alive lately for Kansas City, hitting .265 in his first 12 MLB games with a .471 slugging percentage and 58.3% hard-hit rate. His average exit velocity is an impressive 94.7 mph and his 10.3% swinging-strike rate is above average, which is good for a rookie in his first taste of this level of competition.
This is really a bet against Vince Velasquez, who has a 5.52 ERA and is allowing a 14.9% barrel rate and 46% hard-hit rate. He’s also given up 1.95 home runs per nine innings and six in just six games this year. I think Melendez can get to him here for just one hit, which is all it takes to hit this prop.
