Best MLB Prop Bets This Weekend: Paul Skenes Makes His Debut

Paul Skenes, one of the most hyped-up pitching prospects in recent memory, will debut on Saturday for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates are rising, and Skenes could be a franchise-altering player. 

He was dominant in Triple-A, and many analysts are expecting him to make an immediate impact in the big leagues. We’re looking at Skenes’ strikeout prop today and some other plays on FanDuel Sportsbook. 

Many bonuses are available on FanDuel Sportsbook through our exclusive link for new customers. If you bet $5 on FanDuel, you can receive $150 in bonus bets if your initial wager hits, and this is perfect for the weekend.

Best MLB Prop Bets This Weekend: Cubs vs. Pirates (4:05 PM, EST)

Paul Skenes Over 6.5 Strikeouts (+110) at FanDuel

Few pitchers in recent memory have been as hyped as Paul Skenes heading into their debut. Cy Young winners Justin Verlander and Clayton Kershaw were two dominant pitchers, and Skenes looks similar to them as he prepares for his debut. 

Skenes was only drafted a year ago and blew through the minors. At just 21 years of age, he will make his first start against the Cubs, but this is no easy task. While Chicago has been up and down at the dish, they still have a high upside. 

Chicago's team OBP is .316, scoring 181 runs this season. This is 45 more runs than Pittsburgh's total, so if Skenes wants to earn a win, he must limit the Pirates' scoring chances. 

Skenes' strikeout total is 6.5, and the over is +110. It’s always hard to bet a pitcher’s strikeout over in their debut, but we’re making an exception for Skenes. 

He recorded a 0.99 ERA in seven Triple-A starts with 45 strikeouts in 27 innings. While professional batters are superior to Triple-A players, this dominant strikeout trend should continue in the show. 

The Cubs have the 11th most strikeouts in baseball, so there is enough swing and miss in the lineup for Skenes to exceed the 6.5 mark. 

Best MLB Prop Bets This Weekend: Cubs vs. Pirates (4:05 PM, EST)

Justin Steele Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-115) at FanDuel

For our second MLB prop, we’re staying in the same game. Skenes's debut is causing a lot of excitement, but don’t forget about Justin Steele. Steele is one of the best pitchers in the NL Central. 

Steele has a strong arm and has been one of the best pitchers for the Cubs in his brief time on the mound. Steele is 0-0 with a 0.96 ERA with a 0.86 WHIP. 

He has two starts under his belt and has gone 4.2 innings against the Padres and Rangers each time. These are two quality offenses, and Steele hasn’t struggled at all. 

We expect Steele to build off his success from these two games and surpass his strikeout total of 5.5. The Pirates are fifth in MLB in strikeouts per game. 

They have been retired on strikes 364 times this season. If the game goes as planned, Steele should pitch six innings on Saturday, which should be enough time to go over 5.5. 

Best MLB Prop Bets This Weekend: Dodgers vs. Padres (8:40 PM, EST)

Mookie Betts 2+ Total Bases (-125) at FanDuel

Mookie Betts is the favorite to win the National League MVP. He is batting .346, which is third in baseball. He also has six home runs, 27 RBI, and a 1.003 OPS. 

Betts has only gone over this total once in his past five games. However, he has a great chance to respond against Matt Waldron. 

Waldron is 1-4 with a 5.82 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP. He has allowed 40 hits in 34 innings with five homers. Betts should find a way to rack up his total bases. 

More MLB Best Bets Today

• Best MLB Bets Today

• Best NRFI Bets Today

• Best YRFI Bets Today

• Best MLB Parlay Picks Today

• Best MLB Betting Sites and Apps

• Best MLB Promo Codes and Betting Bonuses