Playoff contenders are set to meet tonight when the Dodgers host the Cubs. Los Angeles wields one of baseball’s best offenses, due in large part to Shohei Ohtani. The reigning National League MVP has gotten off to another terrific start, leading his team to a 11-4 record.
The Dodgers enter as heavy favorites (-185) vs. Chicago on Saturday, with the over/under set at nine runs. Before the start of tonight’s contest, here’s my favorite Shohei Ohtani player prop bet on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Shohei Ohtain O 0.5 walks (-140)
Following his second career MVP award in 2024, Ohtani can make a strong claim as baseball’s greatest hitter. The Japanese phenom has continued his success this season, recording a .293 batting average to go with four home runs and five RBIs.
Ohtani’s rare combination of power and speed will always generate headlines. Last season, the 30-year-old hit 54 homers and stole 59 bases, becoming the first member of the 50/50 club. However, the superstar’s plate discipline might be his most underrated skill. Since 2022, his .386 on-base percentage trails only Aaron Judge (.434), Juan Soto (.410), Yordan Alvarez (.399) and Freddie Freeman (.398).
As Los Angeles’ leadoff hitter, Ohtani usually gets plenty of at-bats. That’s especially true when facing a pitcher that struggles with his command, as is the case tonight. The Cubs will send fireballer Ben Brown to the mound on Saturday. A former top prospect, the 25-year-old has had difficulty finding the plate. Through 11.2 innings pitched this season, the right-hander has a whopping BB/9 rate of 6.9.
Ohtani has worked a walk in eight of his 15 appearances this season (53.3%). Many of those outings came without Freddie Freeman active; the Silver Slugger returned from an ankle injury on Friday. By welcoming back their first baseman, the Dodgers have added even more length to an already dangerous offense. That likely means more plate appearances for everyone in the lineup, Ohtani included. Expect Los Angeles’ leading man to pick his spots tonight against an erratic arm.
