Saturday's MLB prop bets feature a pair of AL all-stars and the hottest hitter in baseball.
The pregame narrative: Bobby Witt Jr. and Jose Altuve were both selected to the AL squad for next week's game, and I think they both have a good chance to score this afternoon. In the evening, look out for Byron Buxton as he continues his midsummer tear.
Check out the best MLB prop bets for July 13.
MLB prop bets
Go to full MLB prop betting markets.
Best Bet: Witt over 0.5 runs (-125)
It's fitting that on the day of the MLB Futures Game I'm backing one of baseball's brightest young stars.
Witt's future seems boundless, but he's been marvellous in the present, too. The first-time all-star leads MLB in hits (125) and has put forth his best work in the past two-and-a-half weeks:
- 14 games
- .426/.459/.778 slash line
- 15 runs
- 23 hits
- 9 extra-base hits
I initially checked out Witt's bases prop, but over 1.5 bases is juiced up to -139. Backing the stellar shortstop to cross the plate feels like the right play at a better price.
From the No. 2 spot in the Royals' lineup, Witt has done an excellent job of getting into scoring position. And against Boston Red Sox starter Kutter Crawford, I think someone will be able to bring him around.
Crawford is coming off back-to-back quality starts, but those came on the road. Fenway Park is the second-friendliest scoring environment in the majors, and Crawford hasn't been nearly as effective there.
On the road, Crawford has a 2.35 ERA in nine outings. At home, that number inflates to a 4.15 ERA in nine outings.
Key stat: Witt has scored a run in 11 of his past 14 games.
Quick picks
Buxton over 1.5 bases (+135): Buxton is a free-swinger who's playing out of his mind right now. That's exactly the type of guy to target on a bases prop.
The oft-injured outfielder only has 11 walks in 71 games this year, so you know he's up there to hack. And right now, his production has been as good as anyone.
Buxton leads the majors with a 226 wRC+ over the past month, posting a .395/.432/.741 slash line in that span. He's also gone over 1.5 bases in 14 of his past 16 games — a truly absurd stretch.
Getting a price like this for Buxton, against a rookie pitcher (Hayden Birdsong) with a 5.26 FIP, is definitely worth a play.
Altuve over 0.5 runs (+110): How can you not love Altuve at a plus-money price to score in today's matchup?
On the mound for the Texas Rangers is Nathan Eovaldi, who has been battered by Altuve and his teammates over and over. The Houston Astros' current lineup has a .336 BA and .672 SLG against Eovaldi in 137 at-bats.
Altuve has been at the centre of the thrashing, going 15-for-48 (.313) with seven home runs, two doubles and three walks against Eovaldi.
In his past 18 games overall, Altuve has cashed this prop 11 times while posting a delightful .892 OPS. Several indicators suggest he can keep that up on Saturday.
MLB picks made at 1:00 p.m. ET on 07/13/2024
