Best MLB Home Run Props Today: Who Will Open the Second Half with a Home Run?

The wait is finally over. After a long All-Star break, we have baseball on Friday. What better way to celebrate than with some home run props, including some for players who have a lot of value to go deep.

For more daily MLB coverage, check our selection of the Best NRFI Bets Today.

Friday’s odds are from FanDuel Sportsbook. If you’re new to FanDuel, you’re eligible for their welcome offer, which will give you $150 in bonus bets if your first wager is correct.

If you're located in a state where sports betting isn't legal, try playing at some of the best Social Sportsbooks. Check out our curated selection below.

Home Run Picks for Friday, July 18

Cal Raleigh Anytime Home Run (+240) at FanDuel Sportsbook

After leading the majors in homers during the first half and winning the Home Run Derby, conventional wisdom says Raleigh will open the second half with a home run. He and the Mariners face lefty Brandon Walter on Friday. That plays in Raleigh’s favor, as the switch-hitter has an .853 slugging percentage against southpaws this season, averaging a home run every 6.4 at-bats against lefties.

Walter has also been homer-prone this year, giving up eight long balls in 40.2 innings. Naturally, seven of those eight home runs have come against right-handed hitters. Plus, Walter has allowed at least one home run in six of his seven starts, giving Raleigh and the Mariners a chance to take him deep.

Get $150 in Bonus Bets at FanDuel With a $5 Winning Wager

Spencer Torkelson Anytime Home Run (+350) at FanDuel Sportsbook

The Tigers have the fortune of opening the second half of the season against Patrick Corbin. While the veteran lefty pitched to a 4.15 ERA in the first half, his 14 home runs still indicate that he’s vulnerable to the long ball. Most of those homers have come against right-handed hitters, so any righty in Detroit’s lineup is a viable option.

Naturally, that led us to Torkelson, who is second on the Tigers with 21 home runs, behind only the left-handed-hitting Riley Greene. Torkelson has nine home runs in just 90 at-bats against lefties this season, aiding his .622 slugging percentage against southpaws. In a small sample size, Torkelson is 2 for 5 with a home run in his career against Corbin, making him a serious threat to go yard on Friday.

Bet $5 at FanDuel, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

Gunnar Henderson Anytime Home Run (+450) at FanDuel Sportsbook

Admittedly, Henderson is a surprising pick for a home run prop. He has just 11 home runs on the season, with most of those coming at home. However, the Orioles open the second half against the Rays in the minor-league park Tampa is calling home this year. Like most of Tampa’s pitchers, Taj Bradley has been victimized by home runs far more often at home than on the road this season.

Henderson has owned Bradley throughout his career, going 7 for 17 (.412), including a home run. That led us to target Henderson to take advantage of his history against Bradley and a smaller ballpark on Friday. Henderson was also 7 for 14 with four extra-base hits in his last five games before the break, so if he can pick up where he left off with a favorable matchup, there could be more extra-base hits on the horizon for him.

Bet $5 at FanDuel, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

Trevor Story Anytime Home Run (+600) at FanDuel Sportsbook

Among Boston hitters, Alex Bregman, Wilyer Abreu, and Jarren Duran all have shorter odds to hit a home run than Story. However, Story is the only one with a previous home run against Chicago’s Colin Rea. Granted, it’s a small sample size, but Story is 2 for 3 with a homer in his career against Rea. Story was also red-hot right before the All-Star break, going 5 for 9 with a double in his last three games. His 15 home runs are also second on the team, only behind Abreu.

Meanwhile, Rea has given up 16 home runs this year, which is more than any other pitcher getting the start on Friday. The friendly confines of Wrigley Field have not been friendly to Rea, as he’s given up 11 of those 16 home runs at home. He’s also given up 12 of his 16 home runs in day games. Everything is trending toward Rea giving up at least one long ball on Friday, with Story offering the most value among Red Sox hitters.

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins at FanDuel