When it comes to baseball prop bets, strikeout props are one of the most popular options. While they aren’t always as fun as home run props or NRFI prop bets, MLB strikeout props usually have more predictive value.
Because of that, we can dig into the analytics to hunt for betting value. That’s exactly what we intend to do within this article.
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Best MLB Strikeout Props: Thursday, Sept. 21
Justin Bales runs through his top MLB strikeout props of the day.
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Best MLB Strikeout Props: Wednesday, Sept. 22
George Kirby Over 5.5 Strikeouts & Jon Gray 4+ Strikeouts (+114)
Kirby’s enjoying a solid season for the Seattle Mariners in 2023. He enters this game with an 8.3 K/9 and a 23% strikeout rate through 171.2 innings. He’s also posted a 3.57 ERA with a 3.65 xFIP this season.Â
Kirby isn’t an elite strikeout pitcher on the road, but he’s still flashed plenty of upside in those starts. More importantly, he’s been a better strikeout option recently. His strikeout rate jumps from 20.8% in the first half of the season to 26.6% in the second half.Â
Kirby gets an elite matchup against the Oakland A’s today. They’re striking out at the third-highest rate (25.2%) in the league against right-handed pitching this season. That number increases to 27.4% in September. The A’s also lead the league in strikeout rate (29.4%) over the last 14 days.Â
I’m adding Jon Gray here to get this at plus odds. I’m not that high on Gray this season, but he gets an elite matchup against the Boston Red Sox. I believe his normal line is relatively fine, so I love him needing only 4 strikeouts here.Â
Where to Bet: George Kirby over 5.5 strikeouts & Jon Gray 4+ strikeouts | +114 at FanDuel Sportsbook
Aaron Civale Over 6.5 Strikeouts (+115)
Civale’s quietly throwing at an elite level for the Tampa Bay Rays this season. He owns an 8.1 K/9 with a 22.2% strikeout rate through 117.2 innings. He’s due for some regression, as he owns a 3.06 ERA with a 4.18 xFIP.Â
Civale isn’t a dominant strikeout pitcher, but he does come with 10+ strikeout upside in specific matchups. His strikeout rate also jumps to 24.4% at home.Â
Civale gets an elite matchup against the Los Angeles Angels today. They rank fourth in the MLB in strikeout rate (25%) against right-handed pitching this season. That number jumps to 28% since September 1. The Angels are also striking out at the second-highest rate (29.3%) in the league over the last 14 days.Â
Taj Bradley posted 6 strikeouts while facing only 19 batters last night. Prior to that, five of the last six right-handed starters have posted 8+ strikeouts against Los Angeles.Â
We’re getting too good of odds on Civale to pass this bet up.Â
Where to Bet: Aaron Civale over 6.5 strikeouts | +115 at DraftKings Sportsbook
Best MLB Strikeout Props: Tuesday, Sept. 19
Taj Bradley Over 6.5 Strikeouts (+115)
Bradley’s struggled throughout his rookie season for the Tampa Bay Rays. He boasts a dominant 11.7 K/9 with a 29.4% strikeout rate through 90.2 innings. He’s struggled with a 5.56 ERA, although he’s due for positive regression, as he also owns a 3.75 xFIP.Â
Bradley gets an outstanding matchup against the Los Angeles Angels tonight. They rank fourth in the league in strikeout rate (25%) against right-handed pitching. That number bumps to 28.2% in September. The Angels also rank second in the MLB in strikeout rate (28.5%) over the last 14 days.Â
Los Angeles has been an atrocious offense without the majority of their stars. Five of the last six right-handed starters (excluding Miguel Diaz as an opener) have posted 8+ strikeouts against the Angels. That list includes Sawyer Gipson-Long who recorded 11 strikeouts in only 20 batters.Â
Bradley boasts more control at home, which could allow him to throw deeper into this game. He’s recorded 7+ strikeouts in two of his last three games, and we’re getting great odds on this number tonight.Â
Where to Bet: Taj Bradley over 6.5 strikeouts | +115 at BetMGM
Luis Castillo Over 7.5 Strikeouts (+100)
Castillo is in the midst of an elite season for the Seattle Mariners. He enters this game with a 9.9 K/9 and a 27.2% strikeout rate through 181.1 innings. He also boasts a dominant 3.08 ERA with a 3.78 xFIP.Â
Castillo gets an elite matchup against the Oakland A’s tonight. They’re striking out at the third-highest rate (25.2%) in the MLB against right-handed pitching. That rate jumps to 27.6% in September. The A’s are also striking out at the highest rate (29.5%) in the league over the last 14 days.Â
There is some concern that Castillo isn’t nearly as good on the road. His strikeout rate drops to 22.8% outside of Seattle. He’s beaten this number several times on the road, though, including two of his last three starts.Â
Castillo has several pitches that he can get strikeouts with. The key here is that he’ll be able to get strikeouts with his 4-seamer. Oakland is a team that will whiff against that pitch, but he also has the slider and changeup in his back pocket.Â
This is a high number, but Castillo comes with elite upside in this game.Â
Where to Bet: Luis Castillo over 7.5 strikeouts | +100 at BetMGM
Best MLB Strikeout Props: Monday, Sept. 18
Jordan Montgomery Over 5.5 Strikeouts (+110)
Montgomery’s enjoying an outstanding season between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers. He only owns a 7.8 K/9 with a 21% strikeout rate through 168.2 innings. He boasts a 3.47 ERA with a 4.09 xFIP in 2023.Â
Montgomery isn’t a dominant strikeout pitcher by any stretch. He’s topped out at 9 strikeouts in two games this season, and he’s posted 6+ strikeouts in 14 of his 29 games this season.Â
Montgomery gets an elite matchup against the Boston Red Sox. They rank 14th in the league in strikeout rate (22.9%) against left-handed pitching this season. That number 26.9% since August 1. The Red Sox also rank second in the MLB in strikeout rate (29%) over the last 14 days.Â
Boston is one of the coldest offenses in the MLB at the moment. Montgomery isn’t a pitcher that has heavy splits, but he is better at home this season. This is a game that the southpaw should be able to pitch deeper into, giving him ample opportunities to record strikeouts.Â
Where to Bet: Jordan Montgomery over 5.5 strikeouts | +110 at BetMGM
JP Sears Over 5.5 Strikeouts (+108)
Sears isn’t a great pitcher, but he does come with plenty of strikeout upside. He owns an 8.2 K/9 with a 21.6% strikeout rate through 157.2 innings. He also owns a 4.45 ERA with a 5.15 xFIP this season.Â
Sears gets an interesting matchup against the Seattle Mariners tonight. They lead the MLB in strikeout rate (26.6%) against left-handed pitching this season. They’re also striking out at the seventh-highest rate (25.3%) in the league over the last 14 days.Â
The biggest key is that Seattle’s offense has completely cooled off. They own a .296 team wOBA over the last 14 days. They’re also walking at one of the lowest rates (6.6%) in the league over that span.Â
Nine of the last 15 left-handed starters have recorded 6+ strikeouts against Seattle. Three of the 6 pitchers that missed faced less than 20 batters, though. Sears has only faced less than 20 batters in 1 of his 29 starts this season, and that was in May.Â
Sears boasts an outstanding slider that he’ll throw to either handedness, and Seattle is a team that whiffs at a high rate against that pitch. We’re getting too good of odds to pass on this bet.Â
Where to Bet: JP Sears over 5.5 strikeouts | +108 at FanDuel Sportsbook
Best MLB Strikeout Props: Friday, Sept. 15
Seth Lugo Over 5.5 Strikeouts (+100)
Lugo’s quietly enjoyed an outstanding season as a starting pitcher for the San Diego Padres. He’s recorded an 8.5 K/9 with a 22.8% strikeout rate through 125.2 innings. He also boasts a 3.80 ERA with a 3.75 xFIP.Â
Lugo gets an ideal matchup against the Oakland A’s tonight. They rank third in the MLB in strikeout rate (25.1%) against right-handed pitching this season. The A’s are also striking out at the third-highest rate (26.4%) in the league over the last 14 days.Â
Lugo uses his 4-seamer and curveball for strikeouts against all batters, and he adds his changeup to lefties. The majority of this Oakland lineup struggles against those particular pitches.Â
Lugo isn’t an overly consistent strikeout option, but he comes with tremendous upside. He’s a pitcher that can be laddered in this matchup.Â
Where to Bet: Seth Lugo over 5.5 strikeouts | +100 at PointsBet
Jose Berrios Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-105)
Berrios has bounced back nicely for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2023. He owns an 8.4 K/9 with a 22.6% strikeout rate through 171 innings. He’s also posted a 3.63 ERA with a 4.17 xFIP across 29 starts this season.Â
Berrios gets a great matchup against the Boston Red Sox tonight. They’re only striking out 21.3% of the time against right-handed pitching this season. That number jumps to 27.2% since September 1, though. The Red Sox also lead the league in strikeout rate (27.3%) over the last 14 days.Â
Baseball is a game of hot and cold streaks, and Boston was hot a bit ago. I’d have never considered this play, but now they’re in the midst of a strikeout streak. Michael King (8), Grayson Rodriguez (6), Kyle Bradish (9), Tyler Glasnow (14), Zach Eflin (7), Aaron Civale (12), and Jordan Lyles (7) all posted 6+ strikeouts against them in September.Â
Berrios has historically been better at home, and that’s the case once again this season. Granted, it’s only slightly, but it’s an edge he wouldn’t have in Boston.Â
We’re getting too good of odds to pass up on this matchup.Â
Where to Bet: Jose Berrios over 5.5 strikeouts | -105 at DraftKings Sportsbook
Best MLB Strikeout Props: Thursday, Sept. 14
Jose Urena Under 3.5 Strikeouts (+115)
Urena isn’t a good pitcher at this point in his career. He enters this game with a 4.8 K/9 and a 10.7% strikeout rate through only 22.1 innings. He’s also struggled with an 8.46 ERA and a 6.62 xFIP.Â
Urena gets a matchup against the Minnesota Twins tonight. They are striking out at the highest rate (27.4%) in the league against right-handed pitching this season. The Twins also rank eighth in the MLB in strikeout rate (24.8%) over the last 14 days.Â
It’s tough to bet against strikeouts in a matchup against Minnesota. That said, they’re consistently walking at one of the highest rates in the MLB. Urena’s struggled with a ridiculous 14.3% walk rate this season.Â
The Twins are going to run counts deep in this game, and Urena doesn’t miss many bats. There’s a very real chance that Urena doesn’t get the opportunities for strikeouts if they can run counts deep and get on base.Â
We’re getting too good of odds for a pitcher who’s hit this number in only 1 of 6 starts this season.Â
Where to Bet: Jose Urena under 3.5 strikeouts | +115 at PointsBet
Kyle Bradish Over 6.5 Strikeouts (+116)
Bradish has quietly been throwing at the level of an ace throughout the 2023 season. He owns a 9.0 K/9 with a 24.7% strikeout rate through 145.2 innings. He also boasts a 3.03 ERA with a 3.61 xFIP this season.Â
Bradish has also been better in the second half of the season. His strikeout rate jumps to 27.2% and his xFIP dips to 3.33. He’s also looked elite since August 1, recording 7+ strikeouts in 5 of his 7 starts since then.Â
Bradish gets an interesting matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays tonight. They rank 11th in the MLB in strikeout rate (23.2%) against right-handed pitching this season. They’re also striking out at the 11th-highest rate (24.3%) in the league over the last 14 days.Â
The Rays have a high-powered offense, but there are generally strikeouts available. Joe Ryan, Bryce Miller, Luis Castillo, and Brayan Bello all posted 7+ strikeouts against Tampa Bay in recent games.Â
Bradish is throwing at an extremely high level in recent games, and he comes with elite upside in this game.Â
Where to Bet: Kyle Bradish over 6.5 strikeouts | +116 at FanDuel Sportsbook
Best MLB Strikeout Props: Wednesday, Sept. 13
Connor Phillips Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-109)
Phillips is an elite strikeout pitcher, and he’s flashed tremendous potential at all levels. He’s only thrown 4.2 innings in the MLB, but he owns a 13.5 K/9 with a 31.8% strikeout rate. He also posted a 24.2% strikeout rate or better at every level in the minor leagues.Â
Phillips gets a great matchup against the Detroit Tigers. They rank fourth in the league in strikeout rate (24.9%) against right-handed pitching this season. That rate jumps to 26.6% since August 1. The Tigers also rank third in the MLB in strikeout rate (26.3%) over the last 14 days.Â
Phillips posted 7 strikeouts against the Seattle Mariners in his MLB debut. He also consistently beat this number when getting full innings in the minors.
Phillips threw 95 pitches in his first MLB start. He’s expected to throw similar pitches in this game, and he could throw 5+ innings.Â
It’s too good of a matchup to avoid the upside of Phillips. He isn’t a player that I would ladder too high because he could struggle to get outs once again, but he comes with more than enough upside to hit 6 strikeouts.
Where to Bet: Connor Phillips over 5.5 strikeouts | -109 at BetRivers
Dallas Keuchel Under 3.5 Strikeouts (+108)
Keuchel is one of the worst strikeout pitchers in the MLB, and he has been for years. He owns a 4.8 K/9 with a 12.5% strikeout rate through only 26.1 innings. He’s also posted a 4.78 ERA with a 4.54 xFIP.Â
Keuchel gets an interesting matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays today. They’re striking out at the 13th-highest rate (23.2%) in the MLB against left-handed pitching this season. The Rays are also striking out at the eighth-highest rate (25.3%) in the league over the last 14 days.Â
Left-handed starters have been recording 4+ strikeouts against Tampa Bay recently. There was a recent stretch where they held Cole Ragans, Cristopher Sanchez, and Daniel Lynch to less than 3 strikeouts.Â
Keuchel isn’t a pitcher who misses many bats, and the Rays boast a high-upside offense. They come with elite upside, and there’s a chance they get him out of there early in this game. That said, Keuchel can throw a full game and stay under this line.Â
Where to Bet: Dallas Keuchel under 3.5 strikeouts | +108 at FanDuel Sportsbook
Best MLB Strikeout Props: Tuesday, Sept. 12
Nick Pivetta Over 6.5 Strikeouts (-105)
Pivetta’s found plenty of success in an inconsistent role for the Boston Red Sox this season. He boasts an elite 11.5 K/9 with a 30.4% strikeout rate through 117 innings. He’s also posted a 4.54 ERA with an outstanding 3.81 xFIP.Â
Pivetta gets a great matchup against the New York Yankees today. They’re striking out at the ninth-highest rate (23.7%) in the league against right-handed pitching. That rate jumps to 26.8% since August 1. The Yankees are striking out at the third-highest rate (25.8%) in the MLB over the last 14 days.Â
Pivetta throws five total pitchers, although he only throws three at a high rate. He can get strikeouts with any of those pitches, specifically his slider and curveball.Â
This is a great matchup for Pivetta, and he threw over 80 pitches in his last start. That number could increase to closer to 100 if he’s throwing well in this game. His strikeout rate dips slightly as a starter, which is normal, and he boasts double-digit strikeout upside in this particular matchup.Â
Where to Bet: Nick Pivetta over 6.5 strikeouts | -105 at PointsBet
JP Sears Under 3.5 Strikeouts (+120)
Sears has seen mixed results for the Oakland A’s this season. He enters this game with an 8.4 K/9 and a 21.9% strikeout rate through 151.2 innings. He also owns a 4.51 ERA with a 5.14 xFIP in 2023.Â
Sears comes with plenty of strikeout upside. He’s topped out at 11 strikeouts against the Texas Rangers, although that was early in the season. He’s posted 3 strikeouts in each of his last two starts, holding his opponents to only 1 earned run over 11 innings.Â
Sears gets a tough matchup against the Houston Astros tonight. They’re striking out at the lowest rate (18.2%) in the MLB against left-handed pitching this season. The Astros are also striking out at a league-low 14.6% over the last 14 days.Â
Houston’s featured an absurd offense against left-handed pitching since August 1. They lead the MLB in OPS (.935) and wOBA (.396). They also rank second in ISO (.252) over that span.Â
Sears certainly has some strikeout stuff, and he comes with plenty of upside here. It’s a terrible matchup, though, and Houston could get to him early in this game. The plus odds are too good to pass up.Â
Where to Bet: JP Sears under 3.5 strikeouts | +120 at BetRivers
Best MLB Strikeout Props: Monday, Sept. 11
Mason Miller Under 3.5 Strikeouts (+122)
Miller is an outstanding strikeout option, as he’s found success at every level. He’s recorded a 9.6 K/9 with a 27.5% strikeout rate through only 23.1 innings. He boasts a 3.09 ERA, although he’s due for some regression with a 4.56 ERA.Â
Miller gets an awful matchup against the Houston Astros tonight. They’re striking out at the third-lowest rate (20.5%) in the league against right-handed pitching this season. That rate drops to 17.2% since August 1. The Astros are also striking out at a league-low 14.2% rate over the last 14 days.Â
The biggest key to this bet is that Miller will be acting as an opener. He isn’t set to be a full starter in this game. Ken Waldichuk is scheduled to be the long reliever in this game.Â
Miller returned to the Oakland A’s on September 6, throwing only 27 pitches. He hasn’t thrown more than 3 innings in a game since May 7. He could get 3 innings in this game, although that isn’t a given at this point.Â
Miller likely needs to be over a 9 K/9 pitcher against one of the toughest offenses in the MLB to hit the over tonight. That seems extremely unlikely, and we’re oddly getting plus odds here.Â
Where to Bet: Mason Miller under 3.5 strikeouts | +122 at FanDuel Sportsbook
Dane Dunning Under 3.5 Strikeouts (+125)
Dunning isn’t a dominant strikeout option, but he’s enjoying a solid season. He owns a 7.1 K/9 with an 18.9% strikeout rate through 146 innings. He’s also posted a 3.88 ERA with a 4.43 xFIP in 2023.Â
Dunning’s certainly seen mixed results in terms of strikeouts, but he’s posted 4+ strikeouts in 12 of his last 13 games. He’s been a better strikeout option in the second half of the season, but this is a matchup bet.Â
Dunning gets a terrible matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays. They rank 20th in the MLB in strikeout rate (21.5%) against right-handed pitching this season. That rate dips to 17.4% in September. The Blue Jays are striking out at the third-lowest rate (16.1%) in the league over the last 14 days.Â
The last right-handed starter that posted 4+ strikeouts was Tanner Bibee on August 25. Since then, seven right-handed starters have posted 3 or fewer strikeouts. Granted, two of them performed as openers, so it’s essentially five consecutive right-handed starters.Â
Regardless, Dunning isn’t a great strikeout option, and he could struggle away from home tonight. We’re getting great odds for the matchup.Â
Where to Bet: Dane Dunning under 3.5 strikeouts | +125 at DraftKings Sportsbook
Best MLB Strikeout Props: Friday, Sept. 8
Andrew Abbott Under 5.5 Strikeouts (+110)
Abbott’s looked outstanding throughout his rookie season for the Cincinnati Reds, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. He’s posted a 9.9 K/9 with a 26.7% strikeout rate through 95 innings. He’s due for regression, though, as he owns a 3.22 ERA with a 4.54 xFIP.Â
Abbott hasn’t been performing as well in recent games. He’s recorded 5 or fewer strikeouts in five of his last seven starts. He only owns a 24.8% strikeout rate with a 4.85 xFIP against right-handed batters, which is going to be the key tonight.Â
Abbott gets a tough matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals. They rank 14th in the MLB in strikeout rate (23%) against left-handed pitching. That number dips to 21.1% since August 1. The Cardinals are striking out at the third-highest rate (26.1%) in the league over the last 14 days, though.Â
Only 3 of the last 12 left-handed starters have posted 6+ strikeouts against St. Louis. Those pitchers were Blake Snell, Cristopher Sanchez, and JP Sears. They held Max Fried, Cole Ragans, and Justin Steele to 5 or fewer strikeouts.Â
Abbott is due for regression, and this is quietly a good spot for the Cardinals.Â
Where to Bet: Andrew Abbott under 5.5 strikeouts | +110 at PointsBet
Reese Olson 6+ Strikeouts (+142)
Olson’s seen mixed results for the Detroit Tigers throughout his rookie season. He owns a 9.0 K/9 with a 23.8% strikeout rate through 79.1 innings. He also enters this game with a 4.65 ERA with a 4.00 xFIP this season.Â
Olson gets an interesting matchup against the Chicago White Sox tonight. They’re striking out at the 11th-highest rate (23.2%) in the league against right-handed pitching in 2023. The White Sox only rank 21st in the MLB in strikeout rate (19.8%) over the last 14 days, though.Â
That siad, Chicago hasn’t faced tough right-handed pitchers in recent games. Jordan Lyles, Brady Singer, Olson (on the road), and Kyle Gibson are their last four matchups against righties.Â
Olson is a massive splits pitcher in terms of strikeouts. He’s good against either handedness, although his xFIP dips to 3.50 against righties. The big key is that his strikeout rate jumps to 28.5% at home compared to only 16.7% on the road.Â
I considered Olson at 5+ strikeouts with Mike Clevinger to get this to plus odds, but I prefer the extra strikeout for Detroit’s right-hander compared to relying on Clevinger on the road.Â
Where to Bet: Reese Olson 6+ strikeouts | +142 at FanDuel Sportsbook
Best MLB Strikeout Props: Thursday, Sept. 7
Eduardo Rodriguez Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-104)
Rodriguez is enjoying an outstanding bounce-back season for the Detroit Tigers. He owns an 8.9 K/9 with a 24.4% strikeout rate through 124.1 innings. He also enters this game with a 3.11 ERA and a 3.86 xFIP.Â
Rodriguez has posted 6+ strikeouts in three of his last four starts. He only missed against the Houston Astros, while recording 6 against the Cleveland Guardians. The biggest concern is that he’s seen mixed results against right-handed batters this season.Â
Rodriguez gets a good matchup against the New York Yankees tonight. They’re only striking out 22.6% of the time against left-handed pitching this season. That number jumps to 24.2% since August 1, though. The Yankees are also striking out at the second-highest rate (27.4%) in the MLB over the last 14 days.Â
Skubal posted 9 strikeouts over 6 innings against New York a bit over a week ago. Rodriguez has been able to study the Yankees in several games, and he makes a great option for these odds.Â
Where to Bet: Eduardo Rodriguez over 5.5 strikeouts | -104 at FanDuel Sportsbook
Ryan Pepiot Under 4.5 Strikeouts (+110)
Pepiot’s performed well in limited innings in the MLB at this point in his career. He owns a 10.0 K/9 with a 26.3% strikeout rate through 50.1 career innings. He’s due for regression, though, as he also owns a 2.86 ERA with a 4.86 xFIP.Â
Pepiot gets a terrible matchup against the Miami Marlins tonight. They’re only striking out at the 25th-highest rate (21%) in the league against right-handed pitching this season. That rate drops to 18.5% since August 1. The Marlins are also striking out at the third-lowest rate (16.1%) in the MLB over the last 14 days.Â
Granted, Miami hasn’t faced the best right-handed pitchers recently. That said, they’ve only allowed 3 of the last 15 right-handed starters to posted 5+ strikeouts. Those three include Aaron Civale (5), Trevor Williams (5), and Michael Wacha (7).Â
This is an awful matchup for Pepiot, as he’s struggled against left-handed batters. He owns a 30% strikeout rate against righties, but that drops to 23.6% against lefties. He also owns a 5.64 xFIP against left-handed batters as well.Â
The Marlins already saw Pepiot earlier this season, and they’ll have the advantage in this game.Â
Where to Bet: Ryan Pepiot under 4.5 strikeouts | +110 at BetRivers
Best MLB Strikeout Props: Wednesday, Sept. 6
Jordan Wicks Over 4.5 Strikeouts & Spencer Strider 8+ Strikeouts (+133)
Wicks has looked outstanding in very limited innings for the Chicago Cubs. He owns a 10.8 K/9 with a 29.3% strikeout rate through 10 innings. He’s also posted a 1.80 ERA with a 3.56 xFIP through 2 starts.Â
This isn’t truly a play about Wicks, though. He gets an elite matchup against the San Francisco Giants, but it helps that he does come with plenty of strikeout upside, as he flashed in the minors as well.Â
The Giants are striking out at the third-highest rate (25.9%) in the MLB against left-handed pitching this season. They lead the league with a 30.3% strikeout rate against lefties since August 1. San Francisco also ranks sixth in the MLB in strikeout rate (25.8%) over the last 14 days.Â
I don’t fully trust Wicks here, which is why I’m using Strider to get this to plus odds.Â
Strider boasts an absurd 41.8% strikeout rate at home this season. He’s posted 8+ strikeouts in all 13 of his home starts in 2023. He also gets a great matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals, who are striking out at the fifth-highest rate (26.8%) in the MLB over the last 14 days.Â
Where to Bet: Jordan Wicks over 4.5 strikeouts & Spencer Strider 8+ strikeouts | +133 at FanDuel Sportsbook
Lance Lynn Under 5.5 Strikeouts (-110)
Lynn’s seen mixed results throughout the 2023 season. He owns a strong 9.9 K/9 with a 25.1% strikeout rate through 155 innings. He’s also due for plenty of positive regression, as his 5.81 ERA sits well above his 4.20 xFIP.Â
Lynn’s been struggling recently, though. His strikeout rate dropped to 19.5% in the second half of the season. His xFIP also jumped to 5.00 in those starts. He’s recorded only 5 strikeouts over his last 17.1 innings (3 starts).Â
Lynn gets a tough matchup against the Miami Marlins today. They’re striking out at the seventh-lowest rate (21.1%) in the MLB against right-handed pitching this season. That drops to 19.1% since August 1. The Marlins are also striking out at the fourth-lowest rate (17.7%) in the league over the last 14 days.Â
Lynn comes with a ton of strikeout upside, but he’s been struggling recently. The Marlins haven’t been striking out in recent games, and they’re going to have the edge in this matchup.Â
Where to Bet: Lance Lynn under 5.5 strikeouts | -110 at FanDuel Sportsbook
Best MLB Strikeout Props: Tuesday, Sept. 5
Gerrit Cole Over 7.5 Strikeouts (-110)
Cole’s in the midst of a potential Cy Young season, and he has to know that at this point. He’s posted a 9.7 K/9 with a 27.1% strikeout rate through 174 innings. He also owns a 2.95 ERA with a 3.66 xFIP in 2023.Â
Cole hasn’t been as dominant of a strikeout option this season, but his strikeout rate does jump to 28.3% at home. It’s also up to 30% in the second half of the season. His xFIP dips to 3.15 in those starts as well.Â
Cole gets a great matchup against the Detroit Tigers tonight. They rank fifth in the MLB in strikeout rate (24.8%) against right-handed pitching this season. That number jumps to 26.3% since August 1. The Tigers also rank second in the league in strikeout rate (28%) over the last 14 days.Â
I’m generally a bit concerned about pitchers facing the same team twice in a row, as batters often have the advantage the more they see a pitcher. I’m not entirely sure that’s the case with a pitcher like Cole, though.Â
Cole boasts elite upside at home, and he’s an elite option tonight.Â
Where to Bet: Gerrit Cole over 7.5 strikeouts | -110 at DraftKings Sportsbook
Brady Singer Over 4.5 Strikeouts (+125)
Singer’s taken a major step back in 2023, although that doesn’t tell the whole story. He owns a 7.9 K/9 with a 19.9% strikeout rate through 143.1 innings. He’s also posted a 5.15 ERA, although he’s due for positive regression, as he also owns a 4.21 xFIP.Â
Singer gets a good matchup against the Chicago White Sox tonight. They’re striking out at the 11th-highest rate (23.4%) in the MLB against right-handed pitching. The White Sox are also striking out at the 13th-highest rate (23.2%) in the league over the last 14 days.Â
Singer hasn’t been an overly consistent option, but he’s flashed plenty of strikeout upside. He posted 10 strikeouts a few games ago against the Minnesota Twins. Seven of the last 11 right-handed starters have posted 5+ strikeouts against Chicago.Â
Singer owns a ridiculous slider that he throws nearly half of the time. It’s his only real strikeout pitch, which is the main issue. That said, each of the nine projected starters for Chicago is whiffing over 30% of the time against the slider.Â
Singer is a risky option, but we’re getting elite odds on this number.Â
Where to Bet: Brady Singer over 4.5 strikeouts | +125 at DraftKings Sportsbook
Best MLB Strikeout Props: Monday, Sept. 4
Royals SP Cole Ragans 7+ Strikeouts (+128)
Ragans has to be the most disrespected pitcher in the MLB at the moment. He boasts a 10.9 K/9 with a 29.5% strikeout rate through 66 innings. He also owns a 3.27 ERA with a 3.42 xFIP this season.Â
Ragans moved into a starting pitcher role for the Kansas City Royals, and he’s been elite ever since. He boasts a 33.9% strikeout rate with a 2.51 xFIP as a starter this season. He’s also posted 8+ strikeouts in five of his last six starts.Â
Ragans gets an elite matchup against the Chicago White Sox today. They’re striking out at the second-highest rate (28.3%) in the MLB against left-handed pitching since August 1. The White Sox are also striking out at the 11th-highest rate (24.1%) in the league over the last 14 days.Â
Ragans boasts double-digit strikeout upside, specifically in this type of matchup. He’s been better against right-handed batters, and Chicago is expected to use seven of them tonight.Â
This is an elite ladder spot.Â
Where to Bet: Cole Ragans 7+ strikeouts | +128 at FanDuel Sportsbook
Cubs SP Justin Steele 7+ Strikeouts (+164)
Steele’s in the midst of an outstanding season for the Chicago Cubs. He owns an 8.8 K/9 with a 23.6% strikeout rate through 144 innings. He also boasts a 2.69 ERA with a 3.55 xFIP in 2023.Â
Steele’s quietly been a better strikeout option recently. His strikeout rate jumps to 26.2% in the second half of the season. His xFIP also dips to 3.00 in those starts. Overall, he’s posted 7+ strikeouts in four of his last five starts, missing only once with 6 strikeouts against the Pittsburgh Pirates.Â
Steele will face off against the San Francisco Giants today. They’re striking out at the highest rate (28.9%) in the league against left-handed pitching since August 1. They also rank eighth in the MLB in strikeout rate (25.3%) over the last 14 days.Â
You can get a reasonable price at over 5.5 strikeouts for Steele, and I think that’s viable. I just want more upside here, and it’s a spot he can also be laddered in.Â
Where to Bet: Justin Steele 7+ strikeouts | +164 at DraftKings Sportsbook
Best MLB Strikeout Props: Saturday, Sept. 2
Mike Clevinger Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-108)
Clevinger’s enjoying a shockingly good season, although he’s been incredibly lucky. He enters this game with a 7.8 K/9 and a 20.8% strikeout rate through 97.2 innings. He owns a 3.32 ERA, although he’s due for regression as he’s also posted a 5.31 xFIP.Â
Clevinger’s been a drastically better strikeout option at home. His K-rate jumps to 24.7% and his xFIP dips to 4.59. His strikeout rate also increases to 23.7% in the second half of the season.Â
Clevinger gets a good matchup against the Detroit Tigers today. They rank fourth in the league in strikeout rate (24.9%) against right-handed pitching this season. That number bumps to 26.9% in August. The Tigers are also striking out at the second-highest rate (28.3%) in the MLB over the last 14 days.Â
Clevinger isn’t a great pitcher, but this is an elite matchup. He does come with strikeout upside, and Detroit isn’t a team that is likely to get him out of the game early. We’re getting near even odds on this, and those are too good to pass up.Â
Where to Bet: Mike Clevinger over 5.5 strikeouts | -108 at FanDuel Sportsbook
Griffin Canning 6+ Strikeouts & Paul Blackburn 5+ Strikeouts (+110)
Canning’s thrown in limited games this season, but he’s found solid success. He boasts a 10.0 K/9 with a 26.5% strikeout rate through 98.2 innings. He also owns a 4.38 ERA with a 3.73 xFIP this season.Â
Canning gets a great matchup against the Oakland A’s tonight. They’re striking out at the third-highest rate (25%) in the MLB against right-handed pitching this season. The A’s are also striking out at the ninth-highest rate (25.4%) in the league over the last 14 days.Â
On the other side of this game, Blackburn’s been a shocking strikeout option this season. He’s recorded a 9.1 K/9 with a 23.1 strikeout rate through 84.2 innings. He’s posted a 3.93 ERA with a 4.10 xFIP as well.Â
Blackburn’s increased strikeout rate is due to using his slider more. He’s throwing his sinker drastically less this season, and he’s throwing his slider 14.2% more often in 2023.Â
Blackburn gets a great matchup against the Los Angeles Angels. They rank eighth in the MLB in strikeout rate (24.6%) against right-handed pitching in 2023. That number increases to 26.4% in August. The Angels are also striking out at the 14th-highest rate (23.2%) in the league over the last 14 days.Â
I’m lowering both of these numbers from their original props. I think both come with tremendous upside in this game, and I’m combining them to get plus odds.Â
Where to Bet: Griffin Canning 6+ strikeouts & Paul Blackburn 5+ strikeouts | +110 at DraftKings Sportsbook
Best MLB Strikeout Props: Tuesday, August 29
Tarik Skubal Over 6.5 Strikeouts (+120)
Skubal’s been a relatively unlucky pitcher in limited starts this season. He boasts a 10.2 K/9 with a 28.2% strikeout rate through 44.1 innings for the Detroit Tigers. He’s also due for positive regression, as his 4.06 ERA sits well above his 2.78 xFIP.Â
Skubal gets an interesting matchup against the New York Yankees tonight. They only rank 18th in the MLB in strikeout rate (22.1%) against left-handed pitching this season. That said, they lead the MLB with a 29.4% strikeout rate over the last 14 days.Â
The key here is that Skubal is elite at home against right-handed batters. Granted, it’s limited at-bats, but he boasts a ridiculous 39% strikeout rate with a 1.90 xFIP in those matchups. New York’s expected to utilize nine right-handed batters tonight.Â
Skubal has four strikeout pitches. He can get them with any pitch besides his sinker, which is his second-least used pitch. The biggest key for this matchup is that the southpaw has a ridiculous changeup, which he boasts an absurd 40% whiff rate on.Â
This is a high total for a lefty against New York, but Skubal comes with elite upside, and the odds are too good to pass up.Â
Where to Bet: Tarik Skubal over 6.5 strikeouts | +120 at DraftKings Sportsbook
Cole Ragans Over 6.5 Strikeouts (+112)
Ragans is one of the most interesting starting pitchers in the MLB at the moment. He’s recorded a 10.8 K/9 with a 28.7% strikeout rate through 59 innings. He also owns a 3.66 ERA with a 3.62 xFIP this season.Â
Ragans has changed roles since he joined the Kansas City Royals. He’s now a starter, and he’s looked elite in this role. He’s posted 8+ strikeouts in four of his six starts for Kansas City, including a pair with 11 strikeouts.Â
Ragans gets a good matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates tonight. They aren’t a dominant offense, and they rank 13th in the league in strikeout rate (23.4%) against left-handed pitching. The Pirates are also striking out at the 15th-highest rate (22.9%) in the MLB over the last 14 days.Â
Truthfully, this isn’t a matchup play. I’m betting on Ragans at these odds against any team in the MLB at the moment. It just so happens that Pittsburgh is an average matchup rather than a bad one.Â
Where to Bet: Cole Ragans over 6.5 strikeouts | +112 at FanDuel Sportsbook
Best MLb Strikeout Props: Monday, August 28
Reese Olson Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-105)
Olson’s struggled in his first season for the Detroit Tigers, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. He’s posted a 9.0 K/9 with a 23.5% strikeout rate through 68 innings. He’s due for a ton of positive regression, as his 5.29 ERA sits well above his 4.07 xFIP.Â
Olson gets an elite matchup against the New York Yankees tonight. They’re striking out at the 11th-highest rate (23.3%) in the league against right-handed pitching. That jumps to 26.7% in August, though. The Yankees are also striking out at the second-highest rate (27.3%) in the MLB over the last 14 days.Â
Olson’s splits are interesting. He owns a 26.3% strikeout rate at home, although his xFIP is drastically lower on the road. He’s also a better strikeout option against left-handed batters, but he’s a better pitcher against righties.Â
Overall, the Yankees are expected to use eight right-handed batters. This should help Olson throw deeper into the game, and seven of those eight projected starters are whiffing over 30% of the time against the slider.Â
Olson is a drastically better pitcher than people generally believe, and we’re getting great odds here.Â
Where to Bet: Reese Olson over 5.5 strikeouts | -105 at PointsBet
Bryan Woo Over 6.5 Strikeouts & Grayson Rodriguez 4+ Strikeouts (+108)
Woo’s seen mixed results throughout his rookie season for the Seattle Mariners. He boasts a 9.6 K/9 with a 25.3% strikeout rate through 59 innings. He’s struggled with a 4.58 ERA, although he also owns a 4.13 xFIP.Â
Wood gets a great matchup against the Oakland A’s tonight. They rank third in the MLB in strikeout rate (25.2%) against right-handed pitching this season. The A’s are also striking out at the sixth-highest rate (25.9%) in the league over the last 14 days.Â
Woo is quietly due for a ton of regression at home. His ERA (5.85) sits well above his xFIP (4.08) in Seattle. More importantly, he also owns a ridiculous 30.7% strikeout rate. His strikeout rate also jumps to 31.6% against right-handed batters, and Oakland is expected to use 5 righties in their lineup tonight.Â
Arguably the most critical aspect of this matchup is that Oakland will strike out against the 4-seamer. That’s Woo’s most important pitch, although he can also get strikeouts with his slider or cutter.Â
I added Rodriguez because I wanted to get this at plus odds.Â
Where to Bet: Bryan Woo over 6.5 strikeouts & Grayson Rodriguez 4+ strikeouts | +108 at FanDuel Sportsbook