Three players I am targeting for this Tuesday slate are Kevin McGonigle, Kyle Leahy, and Seiya Suzuki.
Let's dive into my MLB player props for Tuesday, August 18.
MLB Player Props Today
- Kevin McGonigle Over 1.5 Hits + Runs + Runs Batted In
- Kyle Leahy Over 5.5 Strikeouts (46c, Kalshi)
- Seiya Suzuki Over 1.5 Hits + Runs + Runs Batted In
Tigers vs Pirates Prop
By now, you may have heard that McGonigle grew up a Phillies fan in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and idolized Chase Utley.
Though the Tigers are in Pittsburgh this week, McGonigle did not complain about being back in his home state. Last night, he hit a two-run homer in the second inning en route to a 2-for-6 game with two runs batted in. It was a much-needed game for the rookie after he went 1-for-11 over the weekend against the White Sox.
If you are into narratives, McGonigle now has a hit in three of four games against the Phillies and Pirates, including two home runs, and today is also his birthday.
He will look to continue that against Braxton Ashcraft. The right-hander has enjoyed a solid season, but he can be touched up by left-handed hitters, as he has allowed 37 runs, 27 extra-base hits (including 14 home runs), and a .747 OPS to left-handed hitters.
McGonigle is hitting .302 against right-handed pitchers, and he has 10 of his 13 home runs against them. Should McGonigle get a hit tonight, he should clear this line. He recorded two hits, runs, and runs batted in combined in four of his last five games when recording a hit.
Pick: Kevin McGonigle Over 1.5 Hits + Runs + Runs Batted In
Cardinals vs Reds Prop
The Cardinals may be wishing they were in the American League for this season. They enter tonight's action three games out of the final NL Wild Card, but they would have a 2.5-game lead for the final AL Wildcard spot.
Still, they have performed above expectations despite a sub-70 preseason win total, and Leahy has been one of the reasons why.
Following his June 12th start against the Twins, Leahy had a 4.64 ERA. Over his past 11 starts, he is 4-1 with a 2.31 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 58 1/3 innings.
Though he has not impressed Statcast, Leahy has lowered his ERA for the season to 3.38 while racking up 2.2 WAR.
He has pitched between five and six innings in his last five starts and allowed two runs or fewer in each of them. That includes a start against the Reds when he had nine strikeouts in six innings. Leahy has fanned six or more in three of his last four starts and now gets a Reds team that leads the MLB in strikeout rate.
Leahy has already taken advantage of this matchup with eight or more strikeouts in two of three starts against the Reds this season. If he gets there again, his ladder has potential as well.
Pick: Kyle Leahy 6+ Strikeouts (46c, Kalshi)
White Sox vs Cubs Prop
Pete Crow-Armstrong stole the show last night, bookending the Cubs' night with leadoff and walk-off homers. It was his fifth lead-off home run of the season and first career walk-off home run.
However, after his homer in the first inning, Suzuki was the very next batter, and he went deep as well. He may not get as much attention because he is not having a 30-30 season or battling Shohei Ohtani for MVP, but Suzuki is having another outstanding season at the plate.
Last night's home run was his 22nd of the season, his 74th run batted in, and brought his OPS to .854. With 36 games left in the season, a second consecutive season with 30 home runs and 100 RBI is not out of the question. That would be perfect timing for him as he enters free agency.
In the middle game of the Crosstown Classic, the White Sox will open with Bryan Hudson, and Erick Fedde will get the bulk of the relief duty tonight. That should be music to Suzuki's ears, as he is 2-for-2 with a home run off Hudson and 3-for-11 with a triple against Fedde.
He is also hitting .284 with a .942 OPS at Wrigley Field this season. Wrigley has been very friendly to him of late, as he recorded two hits, runs, and RBIs in 15 of his past 16 home games.
Pick: Seiya Suzuki Over 1.5 Hits + Runs + Runs Batted In
