We have wall-to-wall action on the diamond today, with games getting underway as early as 12:35 p.m. ET. I've got you covered if you're looking to get some skin in the game. I'm heading to the prop sheet today, where I've narrowed in on four MLB player props from today’s 10-game slate. Here are my top MLB player props for Thursday, April 16th.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
Thursday's Top MLB Player Props
(Odds courtesy of BetMGM)
Braxton Ashcraft Over 4.5 Strikeouts (-125)
Let's pick it up in this matinee clash between the Nationals and the Pirates. I'm riding with Pittsburgh's Braxton Ashcraft (2.12 ERA) to clear 4.5 strikeouts. He'll take on a Washington squad that doesn't strike out a bunch (18.8% strikeout rate), but I believe this offers us an entry point at a deflated number.
Ashcraft has been a strikeout machine in the Majors, logging a 9.5 K/9 rate through 86.2 innings of work. That metric has increased in 2026, where the right-hander brings in a 10.6 K/9 rate. He has cleared this line in two consecutive starts. Let's ride with Ashcraft while he continues to turn in solid early-season results.
TJ Friedl Under 0.5 Hits (+140)
I like this plus-money play on TJ Friedl to go hitless on Thursday afternoon. The Reds outfielder has struggled mightily this season, hitting just .159 with a .443 OPS through 17 games. Of those 17 games, Friedl has gone hitless on nine occasions.
Friedl and the Reds will take on San Francisco's Landen Roupp (3.24 ERA). The right-hander has held this current Reds roster to 3-for-14 (.214) in a limited sample size. That includes Friedl, who is 0-for-3 (.000) against Roupp. The Giants' bullpen has also been serviceable, ranking 14th in opposing batting average (.241). This is excellent value at +140 odds with a hitter who has yet to find his groove in 2026.
William Contreras 2+ Hits + Runs + RBIs (-140)
I'm always looking to bet against Patrick Corbin when he heads to the bump. The 36-year-old hasn't logged an ERA south of 4.40 since 2019, and he has finished north of 5.20 in four of the six subsequent campaigns.
Already in one start with the Blue Jays in 2026, Corbin got shelled for four earned runs on six hits and a walk against the Twins. He lasted only four innings in his season debut before handing it over to a Jays relief staff ranked 19th in ERA (4.54) and 25th in opposing batting average (.262).
With all of that said, I'm riding with William Contreras to record 2 hits + runs + RBIs tonight. The Brewers' backstop has been raking this season, hitting .305 (29th) with an .880 OPS (41st). He has gone over this total in four straight games, as well as in eight out of 10 games this month.
Edouard Julien 2+ Hits + Runs + RBIs (+115)
I'll round out my betting card by backing Colorado leadoff hitter Edouard Julien to register a combined 2+ hits + runs + RBIs. Julien has been held under the number in two straight games, but he had previously hit it in four of the six prior outings.
That sample size includes a fantastic series against the Astros in Denver, where Julien went 5-for-12 (.417) with three runs scored and four RBI. He'll face Houston's Ryan Weiss (7.36 ERA), whom he's 1-for-2 (.500) against in his career. In addition to the Astros' injury-plagued starting rotation, Houston also has a bullpen ranked 29th in ERA (6.12) and 20th in opposing batting average (.255). I expect to see much more scoring than last night's 3-1 affair, and I think we’ll see Julien get in on the action.
