MLB Best Bets and Player Props for July 18, 2025

We’ve analyzed every matchup on Friday’s MLB slate to bring you the most value-packed bets and insightful player props. Below you’ll find best bets and top player props for every game, with expert analysis to support each pick.

 

Yankees vs Braves

Best Bet: Braves ML

Player Prop: Aaron Judge Over 1.5 Total Bases

Analysis: The Braves are solid at home and face a Yankees lineup that’s been inconsistent since the break. Meanwhile, Judge has hit safely in 7 of his last 8 road games and matches up well against lefties, making him a strong prop pick for total bases.

Red Sox vs Cubs

Best Bet: Under 8.5 Runs

Player Prop: Lucas Giolito Over 6.5 Strikeouts

Analysis: With Giolito and Rea on the mound and cooler Wrigley weather, the under is the smart play. Giolito has been a strikeout machine lately, averaging over 7 Ks in his last 5 starts.

White Sox vs Pirates

Best Bet: Pirates ML

Player Prop: Bryan Reynolds to Hit a Home Run

Analysis: Cannon struggles with HRs on the road, and Reynolds has taken advantage of soft pitching this month. Look for him to go deep at hitter-friendly PNC Park.

Angels vs Phillies

Best Bet: Phillies -1.5

Player Prop: Trea Turner Over 1.5 Hits + Runs + RBIs

Analysis: The Phillies are red-hot at home. Turner has scored or driven in runs in 9 of his last 11 games, and with Luzardo on the mound for PHI, expect run support.

Padres vs Nationals

Best Bet: Padres ML

Player Prop: Dylan Cease Over 7.5 Strikeouts

Analysis: Cease draws a soft Nationals lineup that struggles with swing-and-miss stuff. Even on the road, Cease should rack up strikeouts.

Giants vs Blue Jays

Best Bet: Blue Jays ML

Player Prop: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Over 1.5 Total Bases

Analysis: Guerrero is slugging .577 at home this season and faces a San Francisco staff that’s been vulnerable to power bats.

Reds vs Mets

Best Bet: Over 9 Runs

Player Prop: Elly De La Cruz Over 2.5 Hits + Runs + RBIs

Analysis: Expect fireworks at Citi Field. Both teams can hit, and De La Cruz has been a sparkplug atop the Reds lineup.

Royals vs Marlins

Best Bet: Royals ML

Player Prop: Bobby Witt Jr. Over 1.5 Total Bases

Analysis: Witt is batting over .340 this month and gets a favorable matchup against the Marlins bullpen. Royals are undervalued in this one.

Athletics vs Guardians

Best Bet: Under 8 Runs

Player Prop: Shane Cecconi Over 5.5 Strikeouts

Analysis: Cecconi has quietly put together a string of solid starts. With the A’s struggling to score, the under is in play.

Orioles vs Rays

Best Bet: Orioles +1.5

Player Prop: Gunnar Henderson to Record an RBI

Analysis: The Orioles have kept games close on the road. Henderson is in a groove and has driven in runs in 5 of his last 6 games.

Tigers vs Rangers

Best Bet: Tigers ML

Player Prop: Riley Greene Over 1.5 Total Bases

Analysis: Olson gives Detroit an edge on the mound. Greene has punished right-handed pitching and thrives on the road.

Twins vs Rockies

Best Bet: Twins -1.5

Player Prop: Carlos Correa to Hit a Home Run

Analysis: The Twins offense should feast at Coors. Correa loves hitting in Colorado and faces a struggling Freeland.

Cardinals vs Diamondbacks

Best Bet: Diamondbacks ML

Player Prop: Corbin Carroll Over 1.5 Hits + Runs

Analysis: Carroll is heating up and will be a key catalyst at the top of the order. Arizona has the edge at home.

Astros vs Mariners

Best Bet: Under 7.5 Runs

Player Prop: Kyle Tucker to Record a Hit

Analysis: Two stingy pitching staffs here, but Tucker is riding a 10-game hit streak and has great numbers in Seattle.

Brewers vs Dodgers

Best Bet: Dodgers -1.5

Player Prop: Shohei Ohtani Over 1.5 Total Bases

Analysis: Ohtani continues to be the centerpiece of LA’s offense. Expect another extra-base hit night against Milwaukee’s bullpen.