MLB Best Bets Today: Top Player Props for Monday, August 18

We are soaking up every minute of MLB action this season. As usual, we have a loaded slate on Monday night. Check out which player props we are targeting on tonight’s slate!

Giants vs. Padres: Christian Koss to Record 2+ Hits +440

Injuries have depleted the San Francisco Giants‘ roster, necessitating contributions from some unexpected sources. Christian Koss has been the engine that is driving the Giants’ offense, and we expect him to keep the good times rolling versus the San Diego Padres. 

Koss had a hell of a weekend. The Giants’ third baseman has multiple hits in three straight games, totaling nine bases across that stretch. More importantly, sustained growth is on the horizon for the contact specialist. 

While he’s appeared in just 54 games this season, Koss has some solid supporting metrics. If qualified, he would sit among the top 20% of MLB hitters in expected batting average, pointing toward a sustainable path forward to close out the season. Furthermore, those skills will be showcased against Nestor Cortes. 

Cortes turns to his fastballs more than any other pitch. He throws his four-seamer over 40% of the time, mixing in a cutter 37.0% of the time. Opposing hitters are teeing off those offerings, with Cortes mustering a laughable .518 expected slugging percentage and 5.61 expected ERA. 

Koss is poised to continue his hot streak, and we see immense value in backing him to record two or more hits.

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Astros vs. Tigers: Kerry Carpenter to Hit a Home Run +420

After a tepid streak, the Detroit Tigers have clawed their way back up the standings. Their offense has shouldered the burden, and Kerry Carpenter remains an integral part of the team’s success. 

Carpenter has been a revelation in Detroit. The 27-year-old put together a .932 OPS last season, following that up with a .834 mark in 2025. As implied, there’s room for improvement for the Tigers’ outfielder. 

Heading into tonight’s tilt versus the Astros, Carpenter ranks in the 86th percentile or better in expected slugging percentage and barrel rate. Combined with his elite sweet spot contact and hard-hit balls, he’s a threat to go deep every time he steps to the plate.

Since returning to the bigs at the start of August, Spencer Arrighetti has been serving them up to opposing hitters. He’s given up 12 hits and seven earned runs across 8.2 innings pitched. With dismal power metrics, it seems like a foregone conclusion that the Tigers will light him up on Monday. 

We’re counting on Kerry Carpenter to send one out, backing him as a profitable home run hitter.

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