To the surprise of absolutely no one, Red Sox-Yankees will end in a winner-takes-all Game 3. These two rivals have played two nail-biters, with each side earning a win late. It’s only fitting that things wrap up with one final showdown in the Bronx.
As is usually the case, this one will come down to the unsung heroes. Still, there’s also plenty of big names itching to make a mark in October. Who will lead their squad to the next round of the playoffs?
New York opens as favorites (-164) over Boston on DraftKings Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 7.5 runs. Here are my top player props for Game 3 between the Red Sox and the Yankees.
Best Red Sox vs. Yankees player props
Giancarlo Stanton 2+ hits + runs + RBIs (+119)
If the Yankees had seen their season end last night, the biggest culprit would be Giancarlo Stanton. The slugger has been awful at the plate this postseason, going 0-for-8 through two games. It’s a stark contrast to last season, in which he dominated during the playoffs. It’s also shocking due to Stanton’s terrific regular season. Through 77 games, he slashed .273/.350/.594 with 24 homers and 66 RBIs.
Boston starter Connelly Early is relatively untested, having pitched four games in the majors. The rookie should have success against some of New York’s left-handed hitters. However, an imposing righty such as Stanton could cause problems. One of the league’s best power hitters has a 158 wRC+ this season vs. southpaws. That’s the 18th-best mark in baseball among hitters with at least 60 at-bats.
As bad as the 35-year-old has looked this week, it’s likely only a matter of time until he gets going. Keep in mind, Stanton was 1-for-9 over the first two games of the 2024 playoffs. A monster three-hit Game 3 in the ALDS started his epic October run. A similar performance can’t be ruled out tonight.
Alex Bregman 1+ walks (+160)
Alex Bregman is a symbol of recent Yankees failures in the postseason. Going back to his time with the two-time champion* Astros, the third baseman has helped eliminate New York three different times. Through two games this postseason, the veteran has gone 3-for-7 at the plate with a double and an RBI. In addition, he’s earned a walk in both contests.
Say what you will about Bregman, but he knows how to drag out an at-bat. That could cause problems for tonight’s starter, Cam Schlittler. The rookie has lethal triple-digit speed on his fastball. However, his biggest weakness is command (3.8 BB/9). The 31-year-old is uniquely suited for the hostile environment of Yankee Stadium. On the road this season, he’s notched an impressive .371 on-base percentage. Expect Bregman to earn another free pass on Thursday.
