MLB Betting Picks: Best Player Props for Monday, June 9th

It was a sour end to an otherwise positive week for our MLB betting picks. We went 0-2 with our top plays, finishing the week with a 10-6 record.

Monday marks the start of a new week, and another opportunity for us to pad our bankroll. We’ve identified a few wagers worth targeting.

Our favorite bet comes from the Athletics-Angels game, where we’re expecting Yusei Kikuchi’s control problems to continue. Below, you'll find MLB betting picks and odds for action on Monday. Try signing up on DraftKings and bet365 to use bonuses for these selections.

MLB Player Prop Pick #1: Kikuchi Over 2.5 Walks (+120 at DraftKings)

Kikuchi is +120 to exceed 2.5 walks tonight, a mark he’s consistently had trouble staying under. In fact, he’s issued 4+ base on balls in four straight starts, and in eight of 12 appearances overall.

The southpaw is only throwing strikes on 61% of his pitches, and hitters have caught on. Opposing batters are swinging at just 44.6% of his offerings, the lowest mark of his career.

They’re being more patient with Kikuchi, knowing that if they wait him out he’ll either make a mistake or put them on base. As a result, Kikuchi is generating swings and misses at a career-low 8.7 clip, while his 8.1 K/9 rate is his lowest mark since 2019.

The Athletics meanwhile, draw walks at a top-15 rate, and rank above average in most offensive categories.

MLB Player Prop Pick #2: Miley Under 2.5 Strikeouts (+105 at Bet365)

For our second wager, we’re continuing our plus-money trend by targeting under 2.5 strikeouts for Wade Miley. The 38-year-old has never been a big strikeout producer, and is coming off Tommy John Surgery.

Miley’s made one appearance so far this season, and it did not go well. He pitched two innings in relief last Wednesday against the Brewers, surrendering six hits, four runs and a homer. Miley didn’t record a strikeout, and posted an average fastball velocity of just 89 miles per hour. He didn’t produce a single swing and miss, while his called strike rate was a measly 13%.

There’s a good chance Miley doesn’t pitch deep into this game. Either he’s limited due to a pitch count as a precaution, or tonight’s opponent Cleveland roughs him up. Even if he does exceed our innings expectation, his 2.57 K/9 rate from a season ago suggests his strikeout ceiling is extremely low.

As for the matchup, the Guardians whiff at a below league average clip, while the current hittersin their lineup boast a lifetime .270/.372/.541 slugging percentage versus Miley, with just a 10% strikeout rate.

MLB Player Prop Pick #3: Swanson Under 0.5 Hits (+110 at DraftKings)

We’ll complete the plus-money trifecta for our MLB betting picks on Monday by taking Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson to go hitless tonight against Zach Wheeler and the Phillies. Swanson has been ice cold over the past 15 days, posting a .176/.185/.235 slash line, with a 40% strikeout rate.

Life won’t get any easier tonight versus Philly’s ace, who’s owned Swanson in their head-to-head matchup. Swanson is batting just .150 in 40 career at-bats against Wheeler, with 14 strikeouts.