MLB Parlay Picks and Same Game Parlay for Aug. 17: Power Bats Lead Monday Card

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Written By Nick Crain | Published at August 17, 2026
Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez (59), right, and catcher Dillon Dingler (13) walk off the field after warm up before the game between Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

Monday’s MLB slate is loaded with different ways to build a parlay, from a tightly connected same-game parlay to moneylines and home run props from around the league. Today’s MLB parlay picks start in Pittsburgh, where Detroit and the Pirates offer an interesting combination of a low total, a near-pick’em moneyline and one long-shot power prop. From there, we’ll mix three moneylines before finishing with two of baseball’s hottest power bats.

Best Same Game Parlay for Aug. 17

Detroit and Pittsburgh enter Monday separated by very little in the standings, which makes this a game where building around a specific script can be more appealing than simply picking a side. This ticket calls for Detroit to win a relatively low-scoring game, with Spencer Torkelson providing one of the biggest swings.

Tigers Moneyline, Under 8.5 Runs, Spencer Torkelson to Hit a Home Run

The Tigers moneyline is close to even money, so Detroit doesn’t have to overcome a heavy favorite price to anchor the parlay. Detroit has also done a much better job preventing runs over the full season than its record might suggest, which pairs naturally with the under 8.5.

There’s also enough from the pitching matchup to make a lower-scoring game reasonable. Pittsburgh starter Carmen Mlodzinski enters Monday with a 3.79 ERA, while Framber Valdez gets the ball for Detroit.

Torkelson is the aggressive piece. The Tigers first baseman has 20 home runs this season and is batting .345 over his last 15 games, even though he hasn’t homered during that stretch. That recent contact gives him chances to run into one, and a Torkelson homer can still fit a low-scoring script if Detroit wins something like 4-2 or 4-3.

Same Game Parlay Breakdown

MLB Parlay Picks for Aug. 17

Bettors don’t have to stay inside one matchup when building MLB parlay picks, and Monday gives us several ways to spread risk across the board. Moneylines, player props, totals and other markets can all be mixed together, and these next two parlays take very different approaches.

Athletics, Cubs and Dodgers Moneyline Parlay

The Athletics are the leg that creates most of the value here. Kansas City and the Athletics enter Monday with nearly identical records, yet the A’s are priced at +170, making this an underdog shot based largely on the gap between the price and how close these teams have been over the course of the season.

Chicago and Los Angeles are the more conventional legs. The Cubs are 72-53 and send Shota Imanaga into a home matchup against a White Sox team starting Luis Castillo, who enters with a 4.96 ERA. The Dodgers, meanwhile, own one of the best records in baseball and face a Rockies team sitting 24 games below .500. Coors Field always adds some volatility, but Los Angeles is still the clear talent play.

Moneyline Parlay Breakdown

Jac Caglianone and Kyle Schwarber Home Run Parlay

If you want a pure power ticket, this is the fun one. Jac Caglianone has 22 home runs for Kansas City and has been scorching the ball recently, hitting .379 with five homers and 18 RBI over his last 15 games. He also gets a favorable opportunity against Athletics starter Mason Barnett, who enters Monday with a 6.16 ERA.

Kyle Schwarber is the more established leg. The Phillies slugger leads the National League with 37 home runs and has gone deep four times in his last seven games. He’ll also be back at Citizens Bank Park against Miami right-hander Janson Junk, giving one of baseball’s premier left-handed power hitters another chance to leave the yard.

Home Run Parlay Breakdown

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Monday’s card gives bettors a little bit of everything, from a game-script-based same game parlay to a three-team moneyline ticket and a high-upside pair of home run swings. As always, shop around for the best available numbers before locking in any MLB parlay picks for Aug. 17.

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