In the realm of Major League Baseball (MLB), where every pitch and swing can make or break a season, the art of betting on player props has become a thrilling pursuit for fans and analysts alike. As Cooper Albers delves into his top player prop bets for Sunday's MLB slate, we find ourselves on the edge of our seats, eager to uncover the gems that could shape the day's outcomes. Let's embark on this journey, exploring the three strongest player prop bets on DraftKings Sportsbook and unraveling the stories behind them.
The Rising Star: Tyler Soderstrom's Power
One of the most captivating narratives of the past month and a half has been Tyler Soderstrom's meteoric rise. At just 24 years old, the Athletics' outfielder has been a force to be reckoned with, boasting a sizzling .316 batting average and an impressive 1.071 OPS. What makes Soderstrom's story even more fascinating is his ability to shrug off struggles in same-side pitching matchups, as evidenced by his 1.079 OPS in 44 plate appearances against southpaws. His 14th home run of the year, a 392-foot no-doubter to right, against the White Sox on Friday, further cements his status as one of the hottest hitters in baseball.
Soderstrom's prowess against left-handed pitchers is particularly intriguing. With Noah Schultz, the Chicago lefty, struggling mightily in 2026, the stage is set for Soderstrom to continue his torrid form. Schultz's 6.00 ERA and 6.05 xERA across 10 starts, coupled with six homers in his last six outings, make him an ideal target for Soderstrom's power. In my opinion, this prop bet is not just about the numbers; it's about the potential for a historic performance that could shift the momentum of the series.
The Dominant Devers: A History Against the Rockies
Rafael Devers, the two-time Silver Slugger, has been a force of nature against the Rockies, historically battering them with a .351 batting average, 1.265 OPS, and 11 home runs in 24 career games. Since last Friday, Devers has continued his dominant run, clobbering four home runs across six games in Denver and San Francisco. With a .935 OPS and 17 bombs since the beginning of May, Devers is on a tear that shows no signs of slowing down.
Devers' prowess against the Rockies extends beyond the numbers. It's about the psychological edge he brings to the plate, knowing that he has historically dominated this team. His upcoming match against Michael Lorenzen, a right-hander with a 6.46 ERA and advanced metrics indicating his struggles, further strengthens the case for this prop bet. From my perspective, this is not just a bet; it's a prediction of a historic performance that could define the series.
The Struggling Soriano: A Fireballer in Need of a Rebound
The Twins' recent success, ranked second in the American League with a 17–11 record since June 10, has been a sight to behold. However, this success story takes a turn when we consider Jose Soriano, the Los Angeles right-hander. After a Cy Young-worthy start to 2026, Soriano has scuffled, saddled with a 5.12 ERA in 12 starts since the beginning of May. His struggles are further emphasized by his failure to finish with fewer than 5.5 strikeouts in half of those outings, including four of his last six.
Soriano's strikeout rate, which has been a strength for him, has dropped to a negligible 18.8 percent during this slump. This raises a deeper question: Can Soriano rebound from this slump and reclaim his Cy Young-worthy form? In my opinion, this prop bet is not just about the numbers; it's about the potential for a fireballer to rediscover his dominance and inspire a much-needed turnaround for his team.
The Broader Implications
These three player prop bets are not just about the individual performances; they are about the broader implications for the teams and the league. Soderstrom's power against left-handed pitchers could be a game-changer for the Athletics, potentially shifting the momentum of the series. Devers' dominance against the Rockies could be a defining factor in the All-Star break, setting the stage for a historic performance that could impact the division standings. Meanwhile, Soriano's struggles could be a wake-up call for the Twins, highlighting the need for a rebound and a return to form.
In conclusion, as we reflect on these three player prop bets, we are reminded of the intricate dance between skill, psychology, and momentum in MLB. These bets are not just about the numbers; they are about the stories that unfold on the field, the potential for historic performances, and the broader implications for the teams and the league. From my perspective, this is the essence of what makes MLB so captivating, and these prop bets are a testament to the thrill of the game.
