MLB props and side bets are some of the most intriguing betting markets on the books with tons of options available.
We scoured the nine games on today's MLB schedule for the best prop bets, including an early play on the matinee game between the Yankees and Rays, backing a pitcher coming off a one-hitter in his season debut, and a team prop for a squad that is "Red" hot at the moment.
Here are our best free MLB betting free prop bets picks and predictions for Friday, April 9.
Today’s MLB props and picks
New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays - Total Runs 1st Inning Under 0.5 (-117)
Today's MLB slate begins with an afternoon battle between the AL World Series favorite New York Yankees and last season's league representative in the Fall Classic, the Tampa Bay Rays. But if you're expecting early fireworks in this game, you might be disappointed. Only five teams in the majors have yet to score a run in the first inning this season and the Rays and Yankees are two of them.
The Yankees will give the ball to two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber. While Kluber hasn't been the same after suffering through multiple injuries over the last few years, he held the Bluejays scoreless through the first two innings in his Yankees debut last Saturday.
Although Rays starter Rich Hill was roughed up for four runs in four innings in his first start of the year, he didn't allow a run in the first inning in six of his eight starts a year ago.
Zack Wheeler Under 2.5 Earned Runs (-115)
Wheeler opened his 2021 season with a fantastic outing against Atlanta last Saturday, holding the Braves to just one hit and fanning 10 batters in seven innings of scoreless ball. Amazingly, he also went 2-for-3 at the plate with 2 RBI, so he kind of won the game by himself.
Today, Wheeler and the Phillies face off against the Braves once again after sweeping Atlanta during the first series. As formidable as the Braves' lineup looks on paper, they haven't gotten it done so far this year, batting just .170 and scoring 3.21 runs per game.
Wheeler had a strong debut season in Philadelphia in 2020, going 4-2 with a 2.92 ERA in 11 starts. He looked very sharp against the Braves last year as well, allowing three runs and striking out 11 across 11 2-3 innings in two starts.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Arizona Diamondbacks - Most Hits Cincinnati (-120)
The Reds are off to a 5-1 start, and begin a three-game set in Arizona on Friday night. The big reason for their terrific start has been the outstanding play of their batters, as Cincy leads the majors with 9.5 runs per game and a batting average of .316.
Nick Castellanos, Tyler Naquin, Mike Moustakas, and rookie Jonathan India have been red-hot at the plate, combining to hit .413.
While there's no way that the Reds will be able to sustain anywhere near that level of play for much longer, they should be able to outhit a Diamondbacks side that is just 20th in the majors with a BA of .209. With Cincy averaging 10.83 hits per game and the D-Backs averaging just 7.57, back this prop bet in the late game.
Yesterday's MLB record: 1-2, -1.23 units
Season MLB betting record: 11-14, -4.18 units
MLB betting card for April 9
- Yankees vs Rays - Total Runs 1st Inning Under 0.5 (-117)
- Zack Wheeler Under 2.5 Earned Runs (-115)
- Reds vs. Diamondbacks - Most Hits Cincinnati (-120)
MLB parlays
Did you know that if you parlayed today’s MLB prop picks, you could win $63.57 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.
