The postseason is heating up as the Kansas City Royals take on the New York Yankees in Game 3 of their ALDS.
Both teams are coming off split performances, setting the stage for what we believe will be a very intense matchup.
For the sports bettors, we’ve put together 5 of the best prop picks for this matchup that we’re confident will give a boost to your bankroll.
Odds: -140
Clarke Schmidt has been consistent when it comes to racking up strikeouts. In his 16 starts this season, Schmidt posted a solid 2.85 ERA and is known for getting the job done when it comes to punchouts. The Royals have been inconsistent offensively, and although they showed some life in Game 2, Schmidt should be able to capitalize on their tendency to strike out.
Even though Schmidt has had a shaky postseason in his career, the over 3.5 strikeouts line looks achievable given his ability to settle into games. The Royals lineup, which isn’t exactly stacked with contact hitters, should give Schmidt a good chance to cruise past this low line. If he can get through the early innings without trouble, hitting this over is very much in play.
Odds: -255
Aaron Judge is the Yankees' offensive leader and has consistently come through in key moments this season. Judge’s bat has been hot, and his ability to get on base with at least one hit seems like one of the safer bets for tonight. Given his regular-season slugging percentage of .701, he’s bound to make an impact in a game that could define the Yankees' playoff run.
Although -255 odds aren’t the most exciting, sometimes you need to take the safe plays. With Schmidt on the mound for the Yankees, Judge should have multiple opportunities to rack up a hit, whether it’s a single or something bigger.
Odds: +115
Seth Lugo has been a reliable arm for the Royals this season, going 16-9 with a stellar 3.00 ERA. In Game 3, he’ll be tasked with cooling off a Yankees lineup that has shown flashes of power but also struggled in spots. The strikeout market for Lugo is sitting at over 4.5 at +115, which seems like good value given his track record.
Lugo has the kind of stuff that can miss bats, and the Yankees lineup is no stranger to striking out. If Lugo can make it through five or six innings, expect him to have enough opportunities to clear the 4.5 K mark. Plus, the Royals will rely heavily on his arm to keep them in the game, which means he’ll likely be aggressive from the first pitch.
Odds: +900
Looking for a value pick with some upside? Gleyber Torres has been known to hit big in critical spots, and with his recent history against the Royals, this could be a good time to back him for a home run. Torres has hit a homer in three of his last four games against Kansas City, and at +900, this prop has massive potential to pay off.
The conditions at Kauffman Stadium should be favorable, and with Schmidt not having the best postseason record, Torres could be due for another big moment. At 9-to-1, the odds make this a low-risk, high-reward play for anyone looking to spice up their betting slip.
Odds: +170
Bobby Witt Jr. has been a star for the Royals all season and is coming off a 4-for-5 performance in Game 2. His prop line of over 1.5 total bases is set at +170, which feels like a steal given how locked in he’s been at the plate. Witt’s speed and power make him a threat to accumulate bases quickly, whether through extra-base hits or stretching a single into something more.
Expect Witt to play a huge role in the Royals' offense tonight, especially if they’re going to keep up with the Yankees' firepower. Hitting the over 1.5 total bases is a realistic goal for one of baseball’s most dynamic young talents.
Game 3 between the Royals and Yankees is bound to be a tightly contested matchup. The Royals have a home-field advantage, while the Yankees are looking to rebound from a lackluster offensive showing in Game 2. These player prop bets are built around the strengths and recent form of the key players, so locking them in could give you some solid outcomes as the game unfolds.
From Schmidt’s strikeout potential to Witt Jr.’s ability to grab bases, there’s plenty of action to consider in this pivotal postseason game. Make your bets wisely and enjoy what should be a thrilling night of playoff baseball!