MLB Today’s Best Bets for 05/24: Home Run Picks & Top Player Props

It’s a full 16-game slate on the diamond to finish off your weekend Sunday, starting at 12:15 pm ET when the Pirates close a weekend set with the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. There's an extra matchup as the Tigers and Orioles play two after being washed out Saturday. The schedule gives plenty of opportunities to find the best MLB bets today, including the top home run props. After looking over the slate, we’ve identified our favorite plays to bolster your bankroll. Without further ado, let’s get to the best options on the board for Sunday, May 24.

Best MLB Bets Today: Player Props for May 24

Robbie Ray, Giants Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-134, DraftKings)

Ray was roughed up, giving up 14 runs (12 earned) and struck out just three hitters over nine innings in his last two starts. Facing the White Sox might help him get back on track. Chicago whiffs at the second-highest rate (9.35 K per game) this season. On the road, that number climbs to 10.19 strikeouts per contest. Ray limited current White Sox hitters to a .121 average with eight strikeouts over 33 at-bats. It’s not a big sample size but the fact that the White Sox are prone to the punchout helps. Look for Ray to get back to normal and record some strikeouts here.

Dylan Cease, Blue Jays Over 7.5 Strikeouts (-152, FanDuel)

Cease is off to a strong start in his first season with Toronto, posting a 3-2 mark with a 2.98 ERA and a 1.221 WHIP over 57.1 innings of work. He has a league-high 84 strikeouts to his credit while allowing just three homers. Cease has fanned at least nine hitters in three straight starts. Facing the Pirates is a bit of a mixed bag for him. Current Pittsburgh hitters have a .295 average against him but have 14 whiffs in 44 at-bats. Pittsburgh strikes out at the fourth-highest rate in the majors (9.27) and the highest rate (10.35) on the road. Cease picks up at least eight punchouts here.

Taylor Ward, Orioles Over 1.5 Total Bases (+130, DraftKings)

Ward and the Orioles were rained out Saturday against the Tigers.  After slamming 36 homers and driving in 103 runs for the Angels last year, his power stroke hasn’t translated to Charm City. Ward entered Sunday hiitting .256 with 15 doubles, two homers and 14 RBI. He’s cleared this prop in four of his last nine games and gets a favorable situation here facing Framber Valdez. In his career, Ward is 15 of 31 with a double, a triple and two RBI. When a guy has a .484/.514/.581 slash line against a pitcher, you take notice.

Home Run Picks Today (05/24):

Matt Olson, Braves (Fanatics, +360)

Olson’s been on a cold streak of late, going just five of 39 in his last 10 games entering this contest. On the flip side, he has 16 doubles, 14 homers and 42 RBI on the season entering this contest. Olson gets to hack against a Nationals staff that has surrendered 76 long balls entering Saturday. Foster Griffin is off to a strong start, with a 5-2 record to go with a 4.02 ERA and 54 strikeouts over 56 innings this year. He also has given up 10 homers, one of three Nationals’ starters to give up double-digit longballs this year. Olson is primed to get on track and he takes Griffin to the seats.

Kyle Schwarber, Phillies (+325, DraftKings)

Schwarber continues to be one of the most consistent true three-outcome hitters in the league. He has struck out 74 times in 217 plate appearances (182 at-bats) with 31 walks to his credit. Schwarber has launched a league-high 20 homers on the year. While Parker Messick is off to a strong start for the Guardians this season, he’s surrendered six long balls this year. Three of those came in a road start against the Athletics earlier this month. The Phillies are playing good ball of late and Schwarber can turn on anyone. Watch for him to go deep in this contest.