Giancarlo Stanton, Freddie Freeman, and Fernando Tatis Jr. set sights on playoff home runs
The Major League Baseball playoffs are upon us, and with the regular season wrapping up in thrilling fashion, the Wild Card round is set to ignite excitement. As teams vie for a chance at the championship, all eyes will be on four pivotal matchups today, beginning at 1 PM ET with the clash between the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians. This piece focuses on the home run predictions for the opening day of the postseason, spotlighting three players expected to shine.
MLB Home Run Picks and Odds
Giancarlo Stanton: +350 on bet365
Freddie Freeman: +425 on bet365
Fernando Tatis Jr.: +440 on FanDuel
Stanton Aims for Yankee Stadium Glory
While postseason intensity often makes home runs a rare commodity, Giancarlo Stanton finds himself in a prime position to hit one today. Yankee Stadium, renowned as a hitter-friendly venue, sets the stage for a potential long ball, especially with favorable weather conditions lending support to power hitters.
Stanton faces Garrett Crochet of the Boston Red Sox, a formidable pitcher who has struggled to keep the ball in the park recently. In the past five weeks, Crochet has surrendered a home run every 16 at-bats, and when facing right-handed hitters, that figure drops to an alarming one home run every 11 at-bats.
On the flip side, Stanton’s recent performance against lefties has been impressive, showcasing a .304 ISO rate and an eye-popping 30.8% barrel rate over the last month. He has been on a tear, hitting three home runs in the past week, with five hits registering over 100 mph exit velocity. With his recent playoff heroics still fresh in mind, Stanton is primed to leave his mark on today’s game.
Freeman’s Momentum Continues for the Dodgers
Freddie Freeman enters the playoffs riding a wave of momentum, having belted three home runs in his last three games for the Los Angeles Dodgers. This includes a standout performance on September 25, where he hit two home runs in a single game, followed by a brief rest day before adding another in limited action on September 28.
Today, Freeman will face Hunter Greene, a talented pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who is also capable of allowing home runs. Greene has given up a home run every 21 at-bats to left-handed hitters this season, while boasting a high hard-hit rate of 59% and fly-ball rate of 40%.
Freeman may not have yet hit a home run against Greene, but he has been effective in limited appearances, collecting three hits in nine plate appearances for a .333 batting average, including two doubles. With Dodger Stadium ranked as the premier venue for home runs today, Freeman is set to clear the fences.
Tatis Poised for Power in Wrigley
Fernando Tatis Jr. may have faced challenges during the regular season, but he’s heating up as the playoffs begin. Despite a disappointing home run total, Tatis has historically excelled in postseason play. In his brief playoff career, he has made a significant impact, batting .375 with six home runs in just 13 games. Last year, he showcased his power with four home runs in seven postseason games, boasting a staggering 1.000 slugging percentage.
As he heads into this postseason, Tatis comes off a stretch where he has recorded 12 hits exceeding 100 mph exit velocity in his last 10 games. This includes four fly balls and a solid 41% fly-ball rate, positioning him well for success against opposing pitchers.
Though Tatis has typically struggled against lefties, his recent performance tells a different story, with a .429 ISO rate and a 23.5% barrel rate against them in the last month. The wind at Wrigley Field is always a factor, but with light breezes expected today, Tatis looks to capitalize on his recent form and deliver a home run at a solid +440 price.
As the playoff action unfolds, these three players are certainly worth watching as they aim to make their mark in the quest for postseason glory.
