DraftKings has a new promotion this May. It’s the MLB Grand Slam Payout.
The concept is simple. Opt-in and get a MLB Grand Slam Payout token. Use that token on a single wager or for a parlay on a player to hit a home run, and if that home runs ends up being a grand slam, receive a share of $250,000 in bonus bets — or more!
That begs the question: Who is hitting a grand slam tonight? Well, as always, I have my predictions and my leans. Let’s break a couple picks down.
MLB Grand Slam Payout Picks
Shea Langeliers, Athletics
Trying to hunt home runs is hard, so trying to track down a grand slam is an even bigger ask, but it’s definitely worth taking a shot. As with all homers, we’re looking for a home run hitter in a favorable environment and good matchup with strong recent form. In addition, though, we’re looking for a matchup where the opposing pitcher gives up plenty of traffic on the bases (WHIP) and a team whose offense is in solid form. For Saturday, Shea Langeliers and the A’s are in a great spot at home in homer-happy Sacramento against Slade Cecconi of the Guardians.
Cecconi had a promising season last year in his first with Cleveland, but this year he is 0-4 in his first six starts with a 6.23 ERA, 5.64 FIP and 1.52 WHIP. His walk rate is up from 5.9% to 9.4%, and his barrel rate against him and his xERA are both in the bottom 20% of qualified starting pitchers. He has allowed six homers in 30 1/3 innings, and righties like Langeliers have a .283 batting average and .368 wOBA against him.
Langeliers has eight homers on the season with a 48.9% hard-hit rate and a 14.9% barrel rate. Even though he hasn’t homered since April 21, he has multiple hard-hit events in 11 of his past 12 games, including five barrels in his last four games. He usually hits too high in the order to come up with the bases loaded in the first inning, but the A’s typically generate plenty of base-runners. If Langeliers gets his chance with the bases full, he’s got a shot to deliver a big win on Saturday. The wind is forecast to be blowing out with temps in the 70s in Sacramento, so Sutter Health Park should be a good spot for homers, and Langeliers has a good chance to get back in the homer column if he keeps mashing.
Jordan Walker, Cardinals
The starting pitcher with the highest HR/9 rate on the entire slate this Saturday is Dodgers righty Roki Sasaki, who has 2.78 HR/9 this season, giving up seven long balls in his last four starts, including three in his last outing against the Cubs. Sasaki has allowed a 47.5% hard-hit rate in those four starts and both lefties and righties have a wOBA over .400 against him. Even though lefties have hit more than half the homers against him, righties have a higher homer rate and a .645 SLG against him this season. Sasaki has a 1.81 WHIP that means he’s been pitching with runners on base all season long.
Walker has been very impressive this season and appears to be in the middle of a breakout season. He has nine homers in 31 games after hitting just six long balls in 111 games last year. His power surge is backed up by his 58.8% hard-hit rate and 20% barrel rate, and most of his damage has come against righties like Sasaki. Walker homered on Thursday against the Pirates and went 4-for-4 in the series opener on Friday against the Dodgers. He’s 9-for-18 in his last four games with a 66.7% hard-hit rate, and if he comes up with the bases loaded on Saturday, he has a solid shot to continue his power production and deliver a grand slam winner.
How to Play MLB Grand Slam Payout
- Opt in to receive your MLB Grand Slam Payout token in the Promotions page
- Place a Single, Parlay, or SGP bet on a player to hit a home run and if their home run is a grand slam, receive a share of $250,000 in Bonus Bets! (minimum $5 bet, maximum three legs for a parlay)
- If the player in your qualifying bet hits a grand slam you’ll win a share of $250,000 in Bonus Bets.
- If no grand slams are hit, the bonus prize pool will carry over to the next day the Promotion is offered.
For more information on this promo, click here!
