MLB Opening Day is here and that means the return of MLB prop bets. Big League baseball now provides a number of prop betting options for each and every game, including five-inning bets, most hits props, and the increasingly popular total bases player props.
This article will also house our favorite MLB prop betting trends over the last few seasons such as deGrom Day and Bieber Fever, and you know what? It’s feeling a little hot in here. So, check out our favorite MLB free prop bets and predictions for Thursday, April 1.
Today’s MLB props and picks
Cleveland-Detroit 5-Inning Under 4 (-115)
Yes, Bieber Fever returns! One of our favorite MLB prop bets over the past few seasons makes our card right away. For those who don’t know, Bieber Fever refers to betting the Under on the 5-inning total when Shane Bieber starts.
That bet went 11-1 in Bieber’s Cy Young Award-winning season. The right-hander looked almost unhittable in 2020, posting a 1.63 ERA and a 0.87 WHIP while striking out a ridiculous 14.2 batters per nine innings.
Bieber opens the season against a Tigers team that won just 39.7 percent of its games last season and ranked second to last in the Bigs in first five-inning scoring at just 2.1 runs per game. Bieber has also dominated the Tigers in his career to the tune of a 2.13 ERA and a 0.78 WHIP over six starts.
But what makes Bieber Fever so profitable, is Cleveland’s aversion to scoring runs itself. Cleveland finished 2020 ranking 23rd in batting average and 25th in scoring and did nothing in the offseason to replace the loss of star shortstop Francisco Lindor. I’ve got a Fever. And the only prescription is more first five-inning Unders!
- Mets vs. Nationals picks April 1
- Rangers vs. Royals picks April 1
- Braves vs. Phillies picks April 1
- Diamondbacks vs. Padres picks April 1
- Blue Jays vs. Yankees picks April 1
- Astros vs. A's picks April 1
- Dodgers vs. Rockies picks April 1
- White Sox vs. Angels picks April 1
- Daily MLB matchup info and more
Sandy Alcantara Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-160)
The Tampa Bay Rays begin their defense of the American League pennant against the most surprising postseason team in the National League, yes those bottom-feeders themselves, the Miami Marlins.
As is the usual mode of operations in Tampa, there was once again a fair amount of turnover for the roster as they said goodbye to starters Blake Snell and Charlie Morton, and brought in low-risk, high-reward guys like Chris Archer and Michael Wacha.
One thing that didn’t change much was the offense. Led by outfielder Randy Arozarena (who technically still qualifies as a rookie) after his incredible postseason breakout, the Rays take a real swing for the fences mentality to the dish.
Tampa Bay ranked ninth in MLB when it came to home runs per game, but also led the Bigs in strikeouts and by a fairly large margin, averaging more than 10 punchouts per contest.
They open against the Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara. The right-hander, and the Fish’s young pitching staff, was a big reason for the team's unexpected success last season. Alcantara only made six starts in 2020 (eight including the postseason) but pitched to an impressive 1.33 ERA and struck out 12 batters per nine innings. He should have no problem eclipsing his strikeout total against the free-swinging Rays in this one.
Tim Anderson Over 1.5 Total Bases (+115)
The Chicago White Sox, a World Series odds contender, are one of the favorite bets when it comes to challenging the New York Yankees in the American League this season, and one of the reasons for that is their offense. Even with the injury to Eloy Jimenez, they are still led by the likes of Jose Abreu, Yoan Moncado, and Luis Robert.
But it's Tim Anderson who can make the argument that he has been the best hitter in the AL over the last couple of seasons. Anderson has a .331 batting average and a .871 OPS since 2019, and he continued that impressive play at the dish this spring, hitting .333 with seven extra-base hits.
Dylan Bundy is a tougher matchup than he will probably be given credit for, but down the stretch last season he pitched to a 1.35 WHIP and allowed a .248 batting average over his last seven starts. We like Anderson to stay hot on Opening Day.
Yesterday's MLB record: 0-0
Season MLB betting record: 0-0, 0 units
MLB betting card for April 1
- CLE-DET 5-Inning Under 4 (-115)
- Sandy Alcantara Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-160)
- Tim Anderson Over 1.5 Total Bases (+115)
MLB parlays
Did you know that if you parlayed today’s MLB prop picks, you could win $55.32 on a $10 bet?
Use our MLB parlay calculator to create your own parlays and see their potential payouts.
Where can I bet on MLB props?
You can bet on MLB props at every online and casino sportsbook, including MLB player props, derivatives, and a ton of other MLB prop odds. Head over to our best-suggested sportsbooks for the top spots to bet on MLB props in your area.
