Looking for some excitement in your Thursday night baseball? We've got you covered with expert home run prop picks that could turn your evening into a winner. SportsLine MLB analyst Adam Thompson has crunched the numbers and identified the best bets for May 14, headlined by Atlanta Braves slugger Matt Olson.
Thursday's 11-game slate is packed with action, including a marquee matchup between division leaders as the Braves aim for a three-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs. Atlanta's lefty Chris Sale is set to take the mound, while Chicago counters with right-hander Ben Brown. But it's not just the pitchers we're watching—the real story here is the power potential.
Brown has struggled to go deep into games, typically lasting just two frames, which means Chicago's bullpen will see plenty of action. That's good news for Braves hitters, as the Cubs' relief corps has surrendered the seventh-most home runs in the league this season. In May alone, only the Reds have been more generous to opposing sluggers.
Enter Matt Olson. The Braves' first baseman is in the middle of a monster season, leading the team with 14 home runs—good for fifth in all of Major League Baseball. Atlanta's offense ranks first in runs scored and second in home runs, and Olson is the engine driving that production. Here's the kicker: eight of his dingers have been crushed straight out to center field or just off it, and Thursday's forecast calls for the wind blowing directly out to center. That's a recipe for another long ball.
Thompson, an analytics-driven expert who's been crushing MLB bets over the past two seasons with over 70 units of profit, sees this as a prime opportunity. He's been a consistent winner across multiple sports, and his home run picks are backed by deep matchup analysis.
For those looking to add some extra juice to their evening, don't overlook the Giants-Dodgers matchup either. San Francisco's offense has been quiet this season, ranking near the bottom in runs and home runs, but they have a few hitters who can change the game with one swing. Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan has been vulnerable, allowing six home runs in just seven starts, and the wind conditions in Los Angeles could help send a few balls over the fence.
Whether you're a seasoned bettor or just looking to add some fun to your baseball viewing, these home run props offer a great way to get in on the action. Keep an eye on Olson and the Braves as they look to make some noise under the Thursday night lights.