Best MLB Prop Bets Today | MLB Player Props August 18

In baseball, there are many ways to find value betting on player props. One such way is to find props that carry some value at plus prices. Here, we have assembled our best MLB prop bets for Friday, all of which come at even money or better, to try and take advantage of such a strategy on the diamond.

Kansas City Royals vs Chicago Cubs

My Pick: Cubs to score first (EVEN at PointsBet)

Our first MLB prop bet for Friday is for the Chicago Cubs to score first against the Kansas City Royals. This prop bet comes at even money, as the Royals are favored to score first by virtue of being the visiting team in this matchup. But the Cubs should be able to hold the Royals scoreless in the top of the first inning and score first shortly after.

Jameson Taillon gets the start for the Cubs in this game, who has struggled throughout this season, with a 7-7 record on the year. But he should pitch better than his statistics would indicate against a Royals team that ranks 27th among 30 MLB teams in runs scored. If he can outperform his averages in this game, the Cubs should have their chances to score first on Friday.

If Chicago does get to the plate with a chance to score first, look for them to take advantage against the inexperienced Cole Ragans of the Royals. Ragans has thrown just 47 innings this year for Kansas City, posting an ERA over 4.00 in that short period of time. With the Cubs needing to keep winning games, they should be able to take advantage of Ragans’ shortcomings.

Toronto Blue Jays vs Cincinnati Reds

My Pick: Jose Berrios to record the win (+130 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

Also on Friday, the Toronto Blue Jays will visit the Cincinnati Reds in a key weekend series for both teams. Toronto is looking to hold onto a Wild Card spot in the American League, while the Reds are aiming to break a three-way tie for the final National League Wild Card position. In that game, look for Toronto’s Jose Berrios to record the win as the Blue Jays should take care of business on the road.

Berrios is just 9-8 this season, with an ERA of 3.53, and his name is still on the board in the race for the AL Cy Young award. Though his odds to win the award are slim at this stage, being one of the last pitchers standing with a chance in the American League is no small feat. Here, he should continue to pitch at an outstanding level against a Reds team that is below .500 at home on the season.

Cincinnati has tapered off over the last couple of weeks as well, having dropped out of first place in the NL Central. They have won just four of their last six games, and have fallen behind the Milwaukee Brewers. Expect their loss to be the gain of Berrios in this contest, as the Jays should come away with a significant win of their own.

Miami Marlins vs Los Angeles Dodgers

My Pick: Freddie Freeman to hit a HR (+500 at FanDuel Sportsbook)

Our final MLB prop bet for Friday is for Freddie Freeman to hit a home run in the matchup between the Miami Marlins and Los Angeles Dodgers. Both of the teams in this game are competing for the postseason, with the Dodgers running away with the NL West and the Marlins still in the NL Wild Card race. In this contest, look for Freddie Freeman to go yard against Miami to set the tone for the rest of the night.

Freeman should be able to put a charge into one against Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins while Miami’s starter is in the game. Alcantara has struggled all season long to locate his pitches, as he has looked nothing like last year’s NL Cy Young award winner. Freeman should be able to take advantage of that, as he is better at making contact for hits than virtually any player in baseball right now, with the power to match. At +500 odds, this prop is certainly worth taking a shot at.

See different MLB betting sites for more betting opportunities!