Multiple times each week, resident action seeker Brad Evans attempted to take the ‘books yard on his favorite MLB prop bets. As always, fade or follow Brad’s picks — fading is encouraged — that’s up to you.
NOTE: With the NFL kicking off next week, this will be the final MLB prop pick of the 2024 season.
Friday, August 30 — Two-leg parlay: Paul Goldschmidt hit, Robbie Grossman hit (+146, BetMGM)
Paul Goldschmidt hit at Yankees. Holy Schmidt! There’s gold in them hills and hopefully hits. Whenever Marcus Stroman and the Cardinals graybeard go toe-to-toe, it’s usually a zero-sum game for the one tossing pitches. In their careers, the two have stared down each other 30 times with Goldschmidt hitting .407 with a 1.281 OPS in those plate appearances. Talk about having a guy’s number. Currently on pace to post a career-low .695 OPS, the St. Louis first baseman has had a forgettable season. Unquestionably, Father Time is tightening his grip on the 36-year-old. Still, he’s shown a youthful vigor over the last seven days with a .429 average. He’s also slapped at least one hit in eight of his last 11 contests. Equally attractive, Stroman has a 5.09 ERA at Yankee Stadium this year and has posted a 5.30 ERA in his last four starts. For one night at least, the rapidly writhing slugger swims laps in the Fountain of Youth.
Robbie Grossman hit vs. Athletics. Glance at the Rangers outfielder’s surface stats and the stomach immediately churns. Over 102 at-bats this season, he has slashed a mere .235/.353/.689 with only six extra-base hits and 10 RBI. Back him in the hit market? Really? Yes. It may be dancing with the devil, but similar to what was outlined above with Goldschmidt, the past tells a positive story. In eight at-bats against Oakland starter JP Sears, Grossman has five hits, four for extra bases. His resulting 1.375 OPS boils the blood of “SAMPLE SIZE!” screamers, but he’s the definition of a left-handed specialist. This year against southpaws, he’s batting .279 with an .819 OPS. In two turns against Texas this season, Sears has yielded just a 3.00 ERA over a dozen innings. However, his 39.7% hard hit rate allowed and history against Grossman suggest a liner races past the infield.
Hitter Prop season record: 37-52, -4.34 units