Tonight’s MLB Underdog pick ’em lobby is stuffed. Narrowing the focus to the four most alluring selections yields three “higher” choices for hitters and one “lower” pick for a pitcher.
Check out our best picks on the MLB Underdog Cheat Sheet >>
Tonight’s MLB Underdog pick ’em lobby is stuffed. Narrowing the focus to the four most alluring selections yields three “higher” choices for hitters and one “lower” pick for a pitcher.
Check out our best picks on the MLB Underdog Cheat Sheet >>
Friday’s Best MLB Underdog Fantasy Player Predictions
Bobby Witt HIGHER 2.5 Total Bases
Bobby Witt had a breakout 2023 campaign and has surged to new heights this year. According to FanGraphs, in 390 plate appearances this year, he’s hit 24 doubles, nine triples and 14 homers with a .319 batting average, .325 xBA, .556 slugging, .602 xSLG and .237 ISO.
Witt has ideal hitting conditions at Coors Field and a soft matchup tonight. According to FantasyPros, Coors Field has right-handed batter park factors of 1.160 for singles, 1.380 for doubles, 1.940 for triples and 1.323 for homers. Additionally, the 118 righties who’ve faced Kyle Freeland this year have hit four doubles, one triple and four homers with a .333 batting average and .505 slugging.
Kevin Gausman LOWER 7.0 Strikeouts
Kevin Gausman has the ideal matchup to strike out batters. The Mariners have the highest strikeout rate against righties (28,7 K%), at home (29.4 K%) and in the previous 14 days (31.6 K%). However, Gausman might be unable to make the most of the matchup.
In six starts spanning 36.2 innings in June, Gausman had 8.59 K/9 and a 21.7 K%. He struck out seven batters in his most recent start but fell short of that threshold in his previous three turns. Moreover, Gausman has exceeded seven strikeouts only three times in 17 starts this year.
Ketel Marte HIGHER 1.5 Total Bases (Scorcher 1.1x)
Ketel Marte is having a superb season at the plate. In 376 plate appearances this season, Marte has hit 19 doubles, two triples and 17 homers with a .288 batting average, .296 xBA, .512 slugging, .508 xSLG and .224 ISO. The veteran switch-hitter has a mouthwatering matchup tonight. Randy Vasquez has coughed up five doubles, five homers, a .449 batting average and .674 slugging to 98 lefties in 2024.
Joc Pederson HIGHER 1.5 Total Bases (Scorcher 1.25x)
Joc Pederson can benefit from the same cushy matchup Marte has tonight. The 32-year-old slugger has hit 12 doubles and 12 homers with a .284 batting average, .260 xBA, .514 slugging, .451 xSLG and .231 ISO in 250 plate appearances this season. Pederson also has a track record of success against righties. In 981 plate appearances against right-handed pitching since 2022, Pederson has hit 41 doubles, six triples and 46 homers with a .268 batting average, .495 slugging and .227 ISO.
Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
