Top MLB Prop Bets for August 21: Expert Picks & Insights
All 30 teams will take the field in what will be a busy Friday across baseball. Among the top matchups is a day game between the Braves and Brewers that features Chris Sale pitching against Jacob Misiorowski. Let's get to the task at hand and highlight three of the top player props to consider for the slate.
Mike Barner's season record: 73-47-1 (+13.92 units)
Use the best sportsbook promos from the best MLB betting sites this baseball season. The BetMGM bonus code gets new players one of the best welcome bonuses in the industry.
Best MLB Prop Bets August 21
San Diego Padres 
vs. Minnesota Twins 
Betting Picks
- Fernando Tatis Jr. Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI (-124) at DraftKings for 1 Unit
After a slow start in the power department, Tatis is now up to 15 home runs for the season. He has been locked in at the plate lately, hitting .299 (23 for 77) with seven home runs, 14 RBI, and 18 runs scored over his last 21 games. During that span, he recorded a 14.3 percent walk rate to go along with a 9.9 percent strikeout rate. He will look to stay hot against Connor Prielipp, who allowed eight runs over five innings against the Phillies in his last start. During his first season in the majors, the young lefty has a 4.27 xERA and a 1.38 WHIP.
A lefty being on the mound is beneficial to Tatis, who has a .402 wOBA and a .262 ISO versus southpaws this year. Also working in his favor is that this game will be played at home, where he has a .368 wOBA. On the road, his wOBA is just .321. The stars could be aligning for Tatis to have another productive night at the plate.
Cash in at Caesars Sportsbook this MLB season and use the Caesars Sportsbook promo code for one of the top MLB betting promos.
Baltimore Orioles 
vs. Tampa Bay Rays 
Betting Picks
- Gunnar Henderson 1+ walks (+185) at DraftKings for 1 Unit
Henderson is having a disappointing season in which he is only batting .221. The power is there with his 20 home runs, so he is still dangerous at the plate. He has been a little unlucky, given his .255 BABIP. For his career, he has a .306 BABIP. With his power and track record of production, pitchers can still be cautious pitching to him. He has drawn at least one walk in seven of his last 11 games, elevating his walk rate to 9.2 percent for the season.
Starting this game for the Rays is Freddy Peralta, who just took the mound against the Orioles on Sunday, issuing three walks over 4.2 innings. He has recorded 18 walks over his last 36.2 innings, leaving him with a 9.2 percent walk rate for the season. That puts him on pace for his third straight season with a walk rate of at least 9.1 percent. Given the great plus odds that come with this wager, betting Henderson to draw at least one walk is worth the risk.
Chicago White Sox 
vs. New York Mets 
Betting Picks
- Miguel Vargas Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI (-114) at DraftKings for 1 Unit
Vargas has already blown past his previous career high with 28 home runs this season. Power hitters can strike out in bunches, but that's not the case with Vargas. He only has a 17.8 percent strikeout rate this season and a 19.2 percent strikeout rate for his career. Another major factor in his breakout campaign is his 14.4 percent barrel rate and 46.3 percent hard-hit rate. Put it all together and he has a .359 wOBA and a .247 ISO, while also chipping in 12 stolen bases.
Vargas will face off against Sean Manaea, who has an underwhelming 1.32 WHIP. He has been homer-prone, as well, allowing 10 home runs over his last 48 innings. There are two splits that also make taking the over for this prop appealing. Vargas has a .365 wOBA and a .257 ISO at home, as well as a .396 wOBA and a .293 ISO against left-handed pitchers. The Mets might have difficulties slowing him down.
Check in on one of the top sports betting apps when you sign up with the bet365 bonus code for your baseball betting.
MLB Prop Picks Recap
- Fernando Tatis Jr. Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI (-124) at DraftKings for 1 Unit
- Gunnar Henderson 1+ walks (+185) at DraftKings for 1 Unit
- Miguel Vargas Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI (-114) at DraftKings for 1 Unit
