MLB Best Bets Today: Top Batter Player Props for Monday, August 4

We are soaking up every minute of MLB action this season. As usual, we have a loaded slate on Monday night. Check out which player props we are targeting on tonight’s slate!

Giants vs. Pirates: Oneil Cruz to Hit a Home Run +450

The Pittsburgh Pirates‘ bats came to life this weekend, and we’re betting on a repeat performance in the series opener versus the San Francisco Giants. Oneil Cruz is the Pirates’ offensive catalyst, and we expect him to prove as much on Monday night. 

Analytically, few players compare to Cruz. The Pirates’ franchise cornerstone ranks in the 99th percentile in barrel and hard-hit rates, sitting in the 100th percentile in average exit velocity and bat speed. 

We’ll see those characteristics on full display versus an aging Justin Verlander. The surefire Hall of Famer has some of the worst metrics of his career, giving up a 9.9% barrel rate and 4.80 expected ERA.

Cruz will do damage in the series opener, and we expect him to send one out. We’re backing him as a +450 home run hitter at PNC Park. 

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Blue Jays vs. Rockies: Mickey Moniak to Record 3+ Bases +230

The Colorado Rockies have been mounting an offensive of late, and that’s sure to continue versus a faltering Toronto Blue Jays‘ bullpen. We’re betting on the Rockies’ young guns in the series opener, highlighting Mickey Moniak to record three or more bases. 

Like the rest of his teammates, Moniak is swinging a hot bat. The right fielder has totalled five hits over his past three games, accounting for 10 total bases. Included in that sample is a home run, two doubles, and two singles. 

Still, Moniak’s analytics profile points toward sustained success. He has compiled a 13.3% barrel and a 38.4% sweet spot rate, which is complemented by his elite bat speed. 

The Blue Jays’ bullpen has given up an ERA north of 9.00 over the past week. Surely, Moniak and the rest of the Rockies’ hitters will add to those woes. We could see Moniak going yard, but we see the most value in backing him to record three or more bases.

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