The race for the crown
The regular season is in its final stretch and the vibes are off for the playoff-bound teams looking to rest their starters. But for guys chasing stats and bonuses, the grind is still real. Currently, we’ve got a massive stalemate for the MLB home run lead between Kyle Schwarber and Pete Crow-Armstrong, both sitting at 45 dingers. It's giving main character energy for both, but with the postseason starting Tuesday, betting on stars is a total L if they get pulled early to rest.
The Orioles' big bet
Real talk: Baltimore’s season is cooked, but Pete Alonso is absolutely eating. The team’s free-agent signing has been raking lately, hitting 41 homers and securing a spot in a four-way tie for the AL lead. He was just named the unanimous Most Valuable Oriole—the first since 2021—and he’s got a solid track record against tonight’s pitcher, Will Warren. He’s gone 2-for-7 off the righty with two solo shots, making him the guy to watch in tonight’s series opener.
Braves looking for hits
Over in South Florida, the Braves are already locked in as NL East champs, but they’re still sending Drake Baldwin to the plate. While his power has been a bit lowkey in September, he’s historically mashed against Marlins starter Eury Perez, going 4-for-9 with two homers. With no playoff pressure, he’s a prime target for anyone looking to chase those home run props tonight.
Why it matters
With postseason rosters being finalized and stars potentially sidelined to avoid injury, betting on players still chasing individual milestones—like Alonso’s home run title pursuit—is your best move for the final weekend of action.
