A pair of pitcher props from Wednesday’s MLB betting markets have my attention.
The pregame narrative: Yusei Kikuchi’s outs prop is juiced up, but I still think it’s worth backing as he looks to keep the slumping Tampa Bay Rays quiet. If you’re looking for a plus-money play, consider riding with Joe Ryan versus a team he’s excelled against before.
Check out the best MLB prop bets for April 9.
MLB prop bets
Best bet: Kikuchi over 17.5 outs (-143)
If you’re willing to put up with this much juice, I think Kikuchi is well worth backing tonight based on a handful of factors.
- Kikuchi’s bullpen needs a breather. Things got dicey for the Angels late in last night’s 4-3 win over the Rays. L.A. wound up using five relief arms, and now four of its eight relievers have pitched twice in the past three days.
- He’s an innings eater. Kikuchi has tossed 6.0 innings in both outings to begin the new season. Dating back to last year, he has cashed this bet in seven consecutive starts.
- He has strong numbers against Tampa Bay. Having spent his whole career in the American League — including two-and-a-half seasons with Toronto in the AL East — Kikuchi has seen plenty of the Rays. He’s held the active lineup to 17-for-80 hitting (.212 BA) with a .325 SLG and a 33.0% K rate.
It also seems like Kikuchi is catching the Rays at a good time. They’re on a five-game losing streak, scoring just 14 total runs in those matchups.
In the past week, Tampa’s offence ranks 24th in wRC+ (77).
Key stat: Kikuchi has pitched into the sixth inning or later in 12 consecutive starts (since August 2024).
Best MLB picks
Naylor over 1.5 hits/runs/RBI (-118): After a stellar spring training, Naylor has carried his success forward into the regular season.
The Mississauga, Ontario native posted a .375/.456/.542 slash line in 19 spring games with the Arizona Diamondbacks. And now he has an .819 OPS through 12 games in Year 1 with the club.
The left-hitting Naylor will have the platoon advantage today against Baltimore right-hander Dean Kremer, who’s been roughed up in his first two outings: 9.2 innings, 13 hits, eight runs.
Naylor is 4-for-7 with a double and a walk against Kremer.
And against righties so far this season, Naylor is 10-for-27 (.370) with four doubles.
Ryan over 5.5 Ks (+125): Both Minnesota Twins starters preceding Ryan cashed this bet, and I think he can make it three in a row.
Ryan has a 32% K rate against the Royals’ active lineup in 125 plate appearances, per Baseball Savant. Last season, his 27.3 K% as a whole ranked in the 80th percentile.
Hopefully the leash is a bit longer for Ryan tonight after back-to-back starts with a low-80s pitch count. He has 11 Ks through 10.0 innings this season.
In four starts against the Royals since 2023, Ryan has tallied 29 Ks in 24.1 IP, hitting this over three times.
MLB prop picks made at 2:25 p.m. ET on 04/09/2025.
Jordan enjoys writing data-driven game previews and analysis articles — especially for MLB markets or NFL/NBA props. And as a proud Ohio University grad, he’ll always have a soft spot for college sports (especially if the Bobcats are involved). Previous stops include mlb.com, Sportsnet and The Athletic.