Looking for the best MLB prop bets today? We’ve got a few strong spots to target on the May 22 slate, with a mix of favorable hitting matchups and pitchers in difficult situations. The Orioles are in a great position against Jack Flaherty’s control issues, Julio Rodriguez gets a favorable matchup against a contact-heavy lefty, and Gerrit Cole faces a tough return spot against one of the hottest offenses in baseball. Let’s break down the best MLB prop bets on the board.
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Best MLB Prop Bets Today (May 22, 2026)
- Best Team Total: Orioles team total over 4.5 runs: Jack Flaherty’s command issues and high walk rate put Baltimore in a strong spot.
- Best Batter Prop: Julio Rodriguez 2+ Total Bases: Rodriguez has been crushing lefties and draws a favorable matchup against Noah Cameron.
- Best Pitcher Prop: Gerrit Cole under 16.5 outs recorded: Cole faces a hot Rays lineup in his first MLB start since returning from Tommy John surgery.
MLB Prop Bets Breakdown (May 22, 2026)
Let’s break down the top MLB prop bets and picks for today. Click on each headline below to view the latest odds and bet these plays on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Baltimore Orioles over 4.5 runs (+110) vs. Detroit Tigers
Jack Flaherty has been a major liability in the Tigers’ rotation. He comes into this start with a 5.77 ERA, a xERA of 5.07, and a 5.02 FIP. While his strikeout numbers have been great with a 9.8 K/9, he also has a 5.9 BB/9, which is currently the highest of his career. The expected Orioles lineup for tonight will take walks, as they combine for a 13.3% BB% against righties this season. This will likely put a lot of traffic on the bases and get Flaherty further into trouble. With men on base, Flaherty owns a .355 wOBA and a 5.56 FIP.
Julio Rodriguez 2+ Total Bases (-104) vs. Kansas City Royals
This is a great matchup for Rodriguez, who’ll face Royals starter Noah Cameron. Rodriguez has put up excellent numbers against lefties to this point, posting a .443 wOBA, a .373 ISO, and a 192 wRC+. Rodriguez has been hitting for a lot of power in May, as his .286 ISO is much higher than the .095 ISO he had in March & April. Cameron allows a lot of contact and fly balls. He currently owns a 43% fly ball rate and only a 29% ground ball rate. With Rodriguez hitting second, he should be positioned well to record at least two total bases in this matchup.
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Gerrit Cole under 16.5 outs recorded (+104) vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Gerrit Cole will pitch in his first major league game since September 26, 2024. The long recovery from Tommy John surgery is over, and Cole will face one of the league’s hottest offenses, the Tampa Bay Rays. I think we’re getting a solid value of +104 for Cole to go under 5.1 innings tonight. Cole made six starts in the minors and went a combined 29 innings. In his final start in AAA, he did go 5.1 innings. That said, he hasn’t looked great in the minors aside from his final start. Cole ended with a 4.66 ERA with a 4.80 FIP in those 29 innings. If anything, he actually struggled more in A and AA before his best start in AAA.
The matchup isn’t easy either, as the Rays’ offense has been humming lately. They’re averaging 5.9 runs over the past two weeks with a team .349 wOBA. I like Cole to go under this total tonight.
More MLB Betting Content & Picks
Check out more MLB betting content and player props throughout the season on DraftKings Network.
- MLB NRFI Tracker
- MLB Grand Slam Payout: How the DraftKings Grand Slam Promo Works
- MLB Picks Today: Top Home Run Prop Bets for Friday 5/22/26
- MLB Best Bets: Top NRFI props for Friday 5/22/26
Good luck with your MLB prop bets today!
