The second half of the MLB season kicks off on Friday night following the All-Star break, bringing renewed energy and new opportunities for bettors focusing on strikeout prop markets. Pitchers are returning rested and ready, creating an ideal scenario to bet on Dylan Cease strikeout prop bets and other pitchers’ ability to rack up whiffs early in games.
Several pitchers stand out for their strikeout potential, including Lucas Giolito’s consistent performances and Michael Soroka’s possible surge after the break. Below are five key strikeout prop bets for July 18, chosen to exploit pitching strengths and hitter vulnerabilities in the current MLB landscape.
Top Five Strikeout Prop Bets to Watch for July 18 MLB Games
Dylan Cease remains one of baseball’s top strikeout specialists despite a challenging win-loss record and a 4.88 ERA. With an impressive 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings rate, Cease has demonstrated his ability to generate swings and misses, recording eight or more strikeouts in three of his last five starts. Even when he faces difficulty on the mound, such as allowing six runs in his previous outing, his strikeout numbers stay high.
Cease faces a Nationals lineup that doesn’t typically rack up strikeouts but lacks dangerous power hitters. This matchup favors Cease’s swing-and-miss skillset, making it likely he will surpass six strikeouts, even if his overall pitching line does not dominate.
Veteran pitcher Justin Verlander, now winless this season with a 4.70 ERA, continues to show the sharpness in command and pitch selection that once made him elite. Verlander has struck out seven batters in each of his last two starts and will face a Toronto Blue Jays lineup that has been inconsistent offensively. Although his velocity has declined from previous peaks, his experience and location skills give him a strong chance to clear a modest strikeout threshold of 3.5 in his outing. Provided he lasts at least five or six innings, surpassing this number is attainable.
Nick Lodolo has been a reliable starter for the Cincinnati Reds this year but has shown a dip in strikeout output lately. Despite averaging over eight strikeouts per nine innings on the season, he has only hit six strikeouts once in his last four games and struck out just four in his most recent start versus the Miami Marlins. Lodolo’s approach focuses more on precision and inducing contact rather than overpowering hitters, especially facing a New York Mets lineup known for making early contact and not striking out often. Betting the under on 5.5 strikeouts fits well here given the matchup’s context.
Lucas Giolito continues to deliver quality starts with strikeout upside, accumulating 64 strikeouts in just over 72 innings pitched this season while maintaining a solid 3.36 ERA. In his recent start against Colorado, Giolito was dominant and efficient, pitching six scoreless innings with six strikeouts and no walks. He carries an 8.0 K/9 strikeout rate overall and faces a Chicago Cubs team that ranks among the league leaders in strikeouts per game. Giolito’s ability to control the strike zone and mix pitches makes taking the over 4.5 strikeouts seem like one of the safest bets available on this slate.
Michael Soroka, while not boasting standout overall numbers with a 5.35 ERA, has quietly been improving his strikeout rate. With nearly 10 strikeouts per nine innings and 74 total strikeouts over 67.1 innings pitched, Soroka can still generate substantial whiffs even in tough outings. Coming off a four-strikeout performance in just four innings, he will now pitch against a San Diego Padres lineup that struggles at times against right-handers. The over 4.5 strikeout line offers solid value at favorable odds, making Soroka a sneaky pick for bettors looking to capitalize on his potential to accumulate strikeouts when fully locked in.
Why These Pitchers Are Set to Impact Strikeout Markets
The All-Star break has given pitchers such as Cease, Verlander, Giolito, and Soroka a chance to rest and refine their mechanics, leading to hopeful strikeout surges. Teams coming out of the break often see hitters who need a few games to regain timing, creating favorable conditions for pitchers skilled in generating swings and misses.
Cease’s electric stuff and ability to overcome opposing lineups remain central to his strikeout potential, while Verlander’s veteran savvy helps mask declining velocity. Giolito relies on finesse and strike zone command, and Soroka’s upward strikeout trend makes him an appealing under-the-radar choice. Lodolo’s situation differs, as his command-oriented approach against a tough Mets lineup points toward fewer strikeouts, making the under bet attractive there.
Implications for MLB Betting and What to Expect Next
With the fresh start to the season, betting on Dylan Cease strikeout prop bets and related MLB strikeout markets offers opportunities grounded in data and recent performance trends. These prop bets provide a way to engage with the game beyond simple game outcomes, with strikeout lines reflecting pitchers’ raw ability to miss bats even when results fluctuate.
As the second half unfolds, monitoring how these pitchers adapt post-break will be crucial. An increase in strikeout rates can signal stronger pitching performances and influence future betting markets. Bettors should remain aware that odds can shift and no result is certain, but the current matchups and pitcher form create a promising slate for those focused on strikeout props.