Fans looking to place a Kyle Schwarber home run bet and other MLB home run props have several promising options for August 20, with multiple games offering exciting matchups. Wednesday’s slate features key players from the Cleveland Guardians, Philadelphia Phillies, and Oakland Athletics who are poised to deliver power at the plate.
Home run bets can be difficult to forecast, yet they often come with rewarding odds for those who predict correctly. Just the day before, Aaron Judge helped bettors cash in by hitting a home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during a game where the New York Yankees launched nine homers.
Highlights of the Top Home Run Prop Picks for August 20
DraftKings Sportsbook sets the odds for these standout bets:
- Jose Ramirez to hit a home run (+425)
- Nick Kurtz to hit a home run (+245)
- Kyle Schwarber to hit a home run (+200)
Why Betting on Jose Ramirez’s Power Makes Sense
Cleveland Guardians’ star Jose Ramirez, fresh off a home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks that marked his 26th of the season, is a strong candidate to repeat his success Wednesday. Ramirez faces right-handed pitcher Brandon Pfaadt, who entered his start with a 5.08 ERA and has allowed 21 home runs in 25 appearances.
Pfaadt ranks among the lowest in MLB pitchers based on expected ERA and expected batting average against, positioning Ramirez well for another homer. The hitter has been on a tear lately, batting over .300 in the past week and performing especially well against right-handed pitching with 21 homers and an OPS near .900 this season.
This combination of opponent struggles on the mound and Ramirez’s recent form makes him a valuable home run prop pick for Wednesday’s afternoon game.
Oakland Athletics’ Nick Kurtz Brings Consistency and Power
Nick Kurtz has emerged as a significant power threat during the 2025 MLB campaign, holding a batting average of .306 along with 25 home runs. Remarkably, Kurtz boasts a .350 average against right-handed pitchers, hitting 21 home runs in those matchups.
On Wednesday night, Kurtz faces Minnesota Twins starter Bailey Ober, a right-hander who has surrendered 24 home runs over 20 starts. Ober’s recent performances have been especially hazardous, as he allowed 17 of those homers during his last eight outings since June 1.
Given Ober’s vulnerability and Kurtz’s strong track record against righties, this betting pick looks highly promising for the evening contest.
Kyle Schwarber’s Threat Against Seattle Mariners’ Luis Castillo
Kyle Schwarber, tied for the National League lead in home runs, aims to extend his power streak against Seattle Mariners’ pitcher Luis Castillo. Although Castillo maintains a decent 3.48 ERA in 2025, he has allowed 18 home runs over 25 appearances.
Schwarber’s past performance versus Castillo provides compelling reasons to bet on a home run. He is hitting .300 with a 1.417 OPS in 20 career at-bats against the Mariners’ righty and has blasted four home runs off him. Moreover, Schwarber’s extra-base hits against Castillo include doubles, indicating solid contact beyond just home runs.
This season, Schwarber has totaled 44 home runs, with 27 coming against right-handed pitching, including a recent homer against Bryce Miller. These facts strengthen his appeal as a top home run pick for Wednesday’s matchup.
Implications for MLB Bettors and Next Steps
With these home run prop bets featuring high upside and attractive odds, bettors focusing on the Kyle Schwarber home run bet alongside Jose Ramirez and Nick Kurtz stand a reasonable chance to cash in on August 20. The combination of strong recent performance, favorable pitcher matchups, and team dynamics makes these selections worth considering.
As odds can shift throughout the day, bettors are encouraged to monitor lines closely and place wagers accordingly. Awareness of pitching trends and player splits will remain crucial for successful prop betting moving forward in the 2025 MLB season.