For bettors who appreciate the statistical and analytical side of MLB wagering, entering the world of prop bets is like hitting a grand slam. With the proper analysis, the different prop betting options available feel like a smorgasbord of money-making options.
Prop bets or ‘propositions’ involves wagering on certain statistics and moments in the game, such as milestones for each team or individual players. Examples could include the number touchdowns a team will score in the game, or the total number of rushing yards for a running back.
The most enjoyable thing about MLB prop betting is the opportunity it affords bettors to get excited about the finer details of the game. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in things such as matchups between specific hitters and pitchers, as well as the strategies and tactics likely to be used by different teams.
With this in mind, being a successful MLB prop bettor is made easier if you’re willing to spend a bit of doing some research.
Most prop bets are over/under totals, yes/no propositions or specific events such as the first team to score a run during the game. For help reading MLB prop odds be sure to check out our Bet Basics guide to understanding MLB odds.
Once you’re clear on how to understand different types of odds, it’s time to switch you attention to understanding the different types of prop bets at your disposal.
MLB PLAYER PROP BETS
MLB player props focus on the impact a certain individual has on the game and are usually focussed on certain statistics. Many MLB player props will pit a certain player against their counterpart from the opposing team. A few of the different types of MLB player prop bets include:
- Total Hits, Runs and RBIs
- Total Strikeouts
- Will a player hit a Home Run?
- Most Hits, Runs and RBIs (player vs player)
- Most Strikeouts (player vs player)
As an example, a bettor might wager on the Total Hits, Runs and RBIs for an individual like New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge. The sportsbook might set Judge’s over/under line for this particular game at the 2.5 mark, meaning if you believe Judge will register a combined total of hits, runs and RBIs of 3 or more, you’d wager over. If you believe it’ll be 2 or less, you’d wager under.
It’s in situations like this where a bit of research an analytical nous might come in handy. For example, while Judge is known as a prolific hitter, the analytics might show he has a weakness against left-handed pitchers. If you notice the opposition has a lefty starting on the mound, then it might make more sense to bet on the under.
With the almost limitless amount of MLB player statistics available online for the general public to access and study, a well-informed bettor has the opportunity to capitalise on favourable odds in the player prop markets.
MLB TEAM PROP BETS
MLB team prop bets provide bettors with a variety of avenues to wager on games that are different from the more typical moneyline, spread and totals bets. Some of the more popular types of MLB team prop bets include:
- Team to score first in the game
- Will there be a run scored in the first inning?
- Total Hits, Runs and Errors for both teams combined
- First team to reach 3 runs in the game
- Specific team’s total runs
- Total Home Runs hit in the game combined
Once again, studying how different teams play, their strengths and weaknesses and how they match up against certain opponents can help give you the edge when betting on MLB team props. For example, a team with great lead-off hitters coming up against another team who is starting a pitcher at the bottom of their rotation might be a good bet to score the first run in the game. It’s picking up on the little details such as this that’ll turn the odds in your favour long term.
DID YOU KNOW?
The MLB record for most innings without scoring a run is currently shared by the 1906 Philadelphia Athletics and the 1968 Chicago Cubs. Both teams failed to score for 48 consecutive innings. Now that would have made for some interesting prop bets back in the day!
To get access to seemingly never ending list of MLB prop bets the gambling world has to offer, we recommend having accounts with multiple sportsbooks so you to maximise the options available to you. Among the top sportsbooks for MLB prop betting recommended by the team Bet Basics are BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, 888sport and Bet365. Check out our full list of Bet Basics list of 100% licensed and regulated legal sportsbooks.