The 2025 MLB season returns this Friday, with fans and bettors focused on player prop bets, especially on Oneil Cruz MLB home run bets due to his recent high-profile performance. As the season continues after the All-Star festivities, bettors are eyeing the power hitters who stood out in the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game, aiming to benefit from favorable odds and expert insights.
Key Power Hitters Set to Shine in Friday’s Matchups
The MLB Home Run Derby showcased two standout young players, Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz and Rays third baseman Junior Caminero. Cruz and Caminero impressed fans and analysts alike with their exceptional power displays, including 21 home runs each in the derby’s opening round. Cruz’s massive 513-foot home run became an unforgettable moment, while Caminero narrowly lost in the finals to Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, the 2025 Derby champion. Both players enter Friday’s slate as top contenders for home run props among sportsbooks.
On DraftKings and BetMGM, Cruz and Caminero are each available at +425 odds, signaling strong betting interest and potential value compared to more popular picks like Raleigh and Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber. Meanwhile, the SportsLine Projection Model, which has demonstrated significant success this season in forecasting MLB home runs, identifies these players as valuable picks for Friday’s contests.
Why Junior Caminero’s Odds Make Him a Smart Bet
Junior Caminero showcased powerful hitting in the derby, tying for the most home runs in the first round with 21. His competitive edge was clear as he advanced to the finals, highlighting his ability to perform under pressure. Leading up to Friday, Caminero has maintained his power hitting by slugging home runs in two of his last five games before the break. At just 22 years old, he sits tied for 10th in MLB for home runs with 23, demonstrating consistency and upside.
SportsLine data analyst Jacob Fetner emphasized Caminero’s advantage at his home ballpark, explaining,
“He returns to his home ballpark, where he absolutely mashes,”
and added,
“He’s hitting .316 with a .954 OPS at home this season, compared to just a .177 average and .607 OPS on the road.”
Caminero faces veteran Orioles pitcher Charlie Morton, who allows a .290 batting average to opponents when pitching away from home, suggesting favorable conditions for a power performance.
BetMGM currently offers the best +425 odds on Caminero, with other sportsbooks trailing at around +350. New users can also take advantage of BetMGM’s promo code for up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their first wager loses, adding an extra layer of incentive for bettors considering Caminero in their MLB home run betting strategy.
Oneil Cruz: A Home Run Threat with Elite Metrics
Oneil Cruz continues to generate excitement as one of MLB’s most powerful hitters, standing out for his rare combination of height, bat speed, and exit velocity. His 6-foot-7 frame allows him to swing with extraordinary power, showcased in the derby alongside Caminero. Cruz’s viral 513-foot home run was a highlight reel moment from the All-Star events, reflecting his raw strength at the plate.
Fetner praised Cruz’s matchup for Friday, noting,
“He’s hit 15 of his 16 home runs this season against right-handed pitchers, and he’s facing one in Jonathan Cannon, who has struggled against left-handed batters.”
Left-handed hitters have an .844 OPS against Cannon, who is also more vulnerable to home runs on the road, increasing Cruz’s chances to capitalize despite Cannon’s efforts.
Available at +425 odds on DraftKings, Cruz’s power and favorable matchup make him an enticing selection for home run prop bets. DraftKings is promoting a new user offer of $150 in bonus bets instantly after a first $5 wager, making it easier for bettors to get involved with Cruz’s prop line this Friday.
Gunnar Henderson Showing Signs of a Power Resurgence
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson enters Friday’s game with the Rays showing glimpses of a power rebound. After a strong 2024 season with 37 home runs, Henderson has recorded 11 home runs in 88 games this year, which is moderate but accompanied by recent flashes of extra-base power. In the four games leading up to the All-Star break, he collected three extra-base hits, signaling a possible return to form.
Henderson will face Rays pitcher Taj Bradley, a right-hander against whom he boasts a career .412 batting average with a home run, going 7-for-17 in previous contests. Fetner observed,
“While Henderson is having a bit of a down year compared to last season, he’s still hitting .311 with a .909 OPS against right-handed pitchers.”
Additionally, Henderson has hit nine home runs in just 33 career games against the Rays, enhancing his appeal for home run prop bets.
Bradley’s struggles at his home venue also increase Henderson’s chances, as the pitcher competes in a smaller minor league park less favorable to pitchers. FanDuel offers Henderson at +450 odds and entices new users with $150 in bonus bets if their first $5 wager wins, a solid opportunity for bettors targeting his power potential.
Recommended Sportsbooks for MLB Player Prop Wagers on Friday
Multiple sportsbooks provide attractive promotions and extensive prop markets for MLB betting on July 18. Caesars offers a unique promotion where bettors can double their winnings on the next ten bets after placing a $1 wager, using code CBSDYW. BetMGM provides new customers with up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their first bet loses, linked to promo code CBSSPORTS.
FanDuel encourages users with a “Bet $5, Get $150” bonus if their first bet wins, while DraftKings matches a similar offer, issuing $150 in bonus bets instantly after an initial $5 wager. Fanatics has a no-code-needed promotion allowing bets with up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets, providing a safety net for bettors. Another option is bet365, offering a $150 bonus whether the first bet wins or loses, accessible via promo code CBSBET365.
Further Insights and Player Prop Projections Available
In addition to the highlighted home run bets for Cruz, Caminero, and Henderson, advanced models and data scientists at SportsLine supply projections for nearly every MLB player prop available across sportsbooks. Their simulation model runs 10,000 iterations for each game, providing detailed probabilities that have helped bettors realize substantial gains over the season. After a recent parlay with +12963 odds hit on July 9, SportsLine continues to update projections daily, including picks for major matchups such as the Yankees versus Braves game on Friday night.
Bettors interested in refining their home run prop strategies or exploring other player bets are encouraged to follow these data-driven forecasts as the season progresses, maximizing their chances to capitalize on high-value odds and promotional offers.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What surgery did Oneil Cruz have?
A. Greg Altman and Dr. Darren Frank treated Cruz’s broken left fibula and an injury to the syndesmosis, a joint near the ankle held by ligaments. Manager Derek Shelton was somewhat relieved the injury was only in the ankle area and did not affect other parts of the left leg.
Q. What was Oneil Cruz’s injury?
A. The 26-year-old player is dealing with a hip flexor injury, which puts his chance of appearing in the pre-All-Star Game event in doubt. Cruz didn’t play in the Pirates’ Sunday game against the Minnesota Twins.