MLB Home Run Predictions Today: Best HR Prop Bets, Picks, Parlay & Odds for Tuesday, Aug. 18

Josh Inglis - Betting Analyst at Covers.com
Josh Inglis • Betting Analyst 13+ years betting experience
Updated: Aug 18, 2026 , 11:36 AM ET • 4 min read

Pete Crow-Armstrong might have to face a lefty opener, but once that southpaw is done, it's Erick Fedde time, and that's great news for a home run prop still too long.

Pete Crow-Armstrong Chicago Cubs MLB
Photo By - Reuters Connect. Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) hits a walk-off two-run home run against the Chicago White Sox during the tenth inning at Wrigley Field.

This is the week that I get back into the black after a great run across August with MLB player props and cashing home run predictions, and what better day to go big than on Dinger Tuesday.

How does one leave Pete Crow-Armstrong off the home run card after last night’s performance, and with today’s matchup? Meanwhile, Wilyer Abreu is the unstoppable force, and Merrill Kelly is the movable object.

These are my favorite MLB home run predictions for Tuesday, Aug. 18. 

Best MLB home run props today

Player to hit a HR Odds
Cubs Pete Crow-Armstrong +330
Red Sox Wilyer Abreu  +425
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Home run pick: Pete Crow-Armstrong

I don't mind going chalk when that chalk is MVP betting favorite Pete Crow-Armstrong, who just hit a walk-off extra-inning dinger last night to reach the 30/30 mark and is being priced on the good side of $3. PCA should be shorter than +300 in any matchup that isn't against an elite starter.

Today is anything but an elite starter, as the White Sox are going with lefty opener Bryan Hutson before handing things over to right-hander Erick Fedde, who just lost his rotation spot and is one of the hardest-hit pitchers in baseball, ranking 37th-worst in HardHit% among MLB starters and 21st-worst in Blast Contact%.

The wind is blowing out at Wrigley, and PCA will see some very hittable arms to keep padding those MVP numbers.

He is a buy to +290 today.

  • Time: 8:05 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: TBS

Home run pick: Wilyer Abreu (+425)

It's tough to find a hotter hitter this month than Boston's Wilyer Abreu. The lefty bat leads the league in slugging and xwOBA in August, and sits second in ISO. The HardHit% over that stretch is at a Dinger-sexy 62.5%, which is only behind three other hitters. The form is there, and the matchup is the deciding factor.

Merrill Kelly has been hit hard all season and ranks in the Bottom 25 in HR/FB and HR/9 among MLB starters. He is one of a handful of pitchers who rank in the Bottom 25 in all four of my favorite fade categories: HR/9, HR/FB, HardHit%, and BlastCont%. 

It's a great price in an average matchup, but this is elite form vs. a hard-hit pitcher and a number I'd buy to +350.  

  • Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: NESN, DBACKS.TV
Josh Inglis' 2026 Transparency Record
  • HR picks: 31-153, -3.37 units

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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Josh Inglis - Covers
Betting Analyst

Josh Inglis is a rising star in the sports betting content space, specializing in MLB, NHL, and NFL markets. Since joining Covers in 2019, Josh has focused his betting expertise on player props and derivative markets, finding them easier for beating the closing line compared to sides and totals. His engaging analysis and content have been showcased on major networks such as TSN, VSiN, BetMGM Network, and NBC. Josh is a prolific bettor, tracking over 2,500 bets annually and he consistently shares his results through monthly transparency reports. At Covers, he is renowned for his MLB release shows and NHL Puck Props, which are integral parts of the site's live content lineup.

Before his tenure at Covers, Josh spent a decade teaching while pursuing sports media on the side. He has also contributed to live global senior-level broadcasts for the WBSC.

Josh advocates for sports bettors to bet early, emphasizing the importance of securing better numbers by beating the public to the market. He also advises having multiple sportsbook accounts to ensure access to the best possible odds.

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