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Best MLB Home Run Predictions Today: Has Miami Found Its Own Version of Cal Raleigh

Published: May 9, 2026, 01:09 PM ET
5 min read

The Miami Marlins won’t be winning the NL East this season, but there is a silver lining for their beleaguered fanbase. Young catcher Liam Hicks is breaking out in a big way in his second MLB season and is flashing the same kind of power and plate discipline that almost earned Cal Raleigh the 2025 AL MVP. 

Below, we’ll share why we like him to go deep, along with two other home run predictions for Saturday’s slate of games.

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Best Home Run Predictions for Saturday, May 9

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Best Home Run Predictions TodayFanDuelKalshi to Win
Liam Hicks to Hit a Home Run+610Cincinnati Reds 56%
Ian Happ to Hit a Home Run+540Athletics 45%
Julio Rodriguez to Hit a Home Run+430Atlanta Braves 49%
Odds and market prices are accurate as of the time of publishing and subject to change before the event.

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Best MLB Home Run Predictions Today, May 9

Home Run Picks for Saturday, May 9

There are some fantastic home run props out there today, but some stand above the rest. Below are the three players we’re locked in on. 

Liam Hicks to Hit a Home Run (+610) at FanDuel Sportsbook

The Marlines may be off to another tough start this season, but it appears they may have found a star in catcher Liam Hicks. The 26-year-old was solid during his 2025 rookie campaign, but he’s looked like an MVP candidate early in 2026. Hicks currently owns a .319 average with nine home runs and a league-high 34 RBIs. 

Most of Hicks’ success has come when playing at home, where he owns a 1.034 OPS. That’s bad news for Zack Littell (1-4, 7.24 ERA, 1.61 WHIP), who will be starting for the Nats tonight. 

The veteran righty has not enjoyed his first season with Washington, as his stats suggest. One reason for his struggles has been an inability to keep the ball in the park, allowing a league-leading 13 home runs over 32 ⅓ innings.

While there is always a chance Littell gets pulled early today, Hicks would still have an excellent chance to go deep against a bad Washington bullpen (4.62 ERA) that’s allowed the second-most home runs (25) of any bullpen. 

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Ian Happ to Hit a Home Run (+540) at FanDuel Sportsbook

We’re digging a little deeper for our second home run prop bet, turning to Cubs veteran Ian Happ. The 31-year-old leads the Cubs with nine home runs and has been getting hot over the last week. That’s raising his average and making him an incredibly dangerous hitter in the middle of Chicago’s elite lineup. 

While Happ isn’t known for his power, he’s hit more than 20 in three consecutive seasons. With nine already in 2026, it seems he may be in store for his best power-hitting season yet.

Another big reason to back Happ is Rangers’ starter Jack Leiter (1-3, 5.45 ERA, 1.37 WHIP). While the 26-year-old remains a crucial piece of the team’s future, he’s been erratic to start this season. After delivering two solid outings to open the year, he has gone 0-3 with a 6.67 ERA and six home runs allowed over the next 27 innings pitched.

Leiter will bounce back at some point, but not against a loaded Cubs’ lineup today. 

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Julio Rodriguez to Hit a Home Run (+430) at FanDuel Sportsbook

Our third and final home run prop bet for the day is one of our favorite young stars, Julio Rodriguez. The five-tool player has been hitting for a solid average, but has only had two home runs heading into May. That slump officially ended on Wednesday, when he launched his third home run of the new month.

J-Rod has always hit left-handed pitching well, and this season is no exception. Over 39 at-bats against southpaws, the outfielder has a .986 OPS and has hit all five of his home runs. With a lefty set to start today’s game, we expect to see those fireworks continue. 

The White Sox will be rolling out Anthony Kay (1-1, 5.70 ERA, 1.67 WHIP) out to face J-Rod and the Mariners. The lefty has never had success at the MLB level, including through seven appearances this year. He’s allowed multiple home runs in two of his last three starts, with no signs of turning things around. Expect him to get hit hard early, possibly leading this bet to cash out after the first innings. 

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Michael Savio WSN Contributors

Michael Savio

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Michael is an avid sports fan and a veteran bettor from Milwaukee. He learned the trade from his grandfather in Las Vegas as a kid and has turned that into a successful career. He cheers for all Wisconsin pro teams along with his Alma Mater Arizona State. He specializes in baseball betting, but has experience in football, basketball, and hockey as well. When he isn’t pouring over stats, he’s spending time with his two young children.
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