MLB Picks: Player Props for Friday, September 25

MLB Betting Expert Mike Barner digs into Friday's packed slate of games, offering up a trio of prop picks, including a play on Cincinnati's Elly De La Cruz.
MLB Picks: Player Props for Friday, September 25
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Top MLB Prop Bets for September 25: Expert Picks & Insights

Baseball heads into the final weekend of the regular season with a packed schedule Friday that includes two doubleheaders. With plenty of player props to consider, let's try to narrow down the fielding by highlighting three of the top options to consider.

Mike Barner's season record: 89-60-1 (+15.20 units)

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Best MLB Prop Bets September 25

Cincinnati Reds at Toronto Blue Jays Betting Picks

The final week of the season often sees players chase individual milestones. The Reds have long been out of the playoff picture, but De La Cruz has been finishing the season on a high note. In September, he is hitting .377 (29 for 77) with a .461 OBP, nine home runs and five stolen bases. He went deep Thursday, bringing his home run total to 30 for the year. He is currently at 29 steals, so he's on the cusp of his third straight 30/30 campaign.

The Blue Jays, who have also been eliminated from the playoffs, hadn't officially announced their starter for this game as of early Friday morning. We know it won't be their ace Dylan Cease (shoulder), who was recently placed on the IL. Whoever it is, it's a favorable opportunity for De La Cruz to record a stolen base because the Blue Jays have permitted the second-most steals per game in the majors.

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San Diego Padres vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Betting Picks

The Padres clinched a playoff spot during their win over the Dodgers on Thursday. They still have something to play for, though, as they sit atop the Wild Card standings. They are only one game ahead of the Cubs, and two up on the Phillies. They are only 40-41 on the road this year, but they are 49-29 at home. Hosting the Wild Card series could be key for them to advance.

With the expectation that Tatis plays in this game that still matters, he is also chasing a personal milestone. He has already reached at least 30 steals for the season straight season, but he has a chance to accumulate 40 steals for the first time in his career. With his two stolen bases Thursday, he is up to 38 for the season. This series begins with a matchup for him against Brandon Pfaadt, who has allowed 21 runs over 35.2 innings in his last five starts. Given these odds, it's worth taking a chance on Tatis continuing to make his push for 40 steals.

Athletics vs. Houston Astros Betting Picks

  • Jacob Lopez Over 2.5 earned runs allowed (-111) at DraftKings for 1 Unit

We'll take a break from milestone hunting to focus on this matchup between the Athletics and Astros. This is a big game for the Astros, who won the first game of this series 7-5 on Thursday. They are only 79-80, but that still has them tied with the Rangers atop the AL West. As they try to win the division, they have scored at least five runs in three straight games.

The Astros' lineup has the advantage of this game being played in the Athletics' hitter-friendly home park. They will face Jacob Lopez, who allowed 10 runs to the Guardians over 2.2 innings in his last start. That marked the third straight outing in which he allowed at least four earned runs. When he faced the Astros at home earlier in April, he allowed three earned runs over 4.1 innings. He will be facing an uphill battle to keep Houston off the scoreboard in this rematch.

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MLB Prop Picks Recap

All plays for 1 Unit

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mike started covering fantasy sports in 2007, joining RotoWire in 2010. In 2018, he was a finalist for the FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Mike also won the 2022-23 FSGA NBA Experts Champions league. In addition to RotoWire, Mike has written for Sportsline, Sports Illustrated, DK Live, RealTime Fantasy Sports, Lineup Lab and KFFL.com.
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