Today's Top MLB Pitchers Strikeouts Prop Bets: 5 picks including Jack Flaherty, Gavin Williams, and more for August 30, 2025

Strikeouts aren’t just stats, they’re momentum, drama and game-changing moments all rolled into one. Today, the MLB mound features a mix of firepower and finesse with pitchers looking to dominate lineups and make a statement.

From rookies debuting under the bright lights to veterans trying to prove their strikeout prowess, these five pitchers have the potential to make or break your prop bets.

Whether you’re chasing the heat or playing it safe, these picks stand out as the most intriguing strikeout opportunities of the day.

Note: Odds are set by DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change. No outcome can be guaranteed when betting on sports.

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#5. Andrew Abbott: Over 4.5 Ks (-150)

Andrew Abbott’s last start against Arizona was forgettable as he conceded seven runs in just four innings. But on a night when everything went wrong, he still fanned six hitters, the strikeout floor you want to see when betting props.

The young lefty has racked up 118 strikeouts on the year with a sharp 2.62 ERA, and he now faces a Cardinals lineup that hasn’t looked as threatening as in past years, especially against southpaws.

With his ability to miss bats even in tough spots, Abbott clearing 4.5 feels like one of the safer plays on today’s board.

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#4. Taj Bradley: Over 3.5 Ks (-140)

Taj Bradley has been roughed up in back-to-back starts, logging just one strikeout across those outings, but that slump doesn’t tell the full story.

This is a young arm with legit swing-and-miss ability, shown by the 96 Ks he’s racked up in 116.1 innings. Not long ago, he strung together games of six, five and five strikeouts, proving his upside is far higher than this line suggests.

Against a Padres lineup that has its share of strikeout-prone bats, Bradley has a real shot at turning the page and cashing this low number.

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#3. Jack Flaherty: Over 4.5 Ks (-130)

Jack Flaherty’s ERA may be inflated at 4.87, but don’t let that distract you from his strikeout consistency.

The Tigers’ right-hander has punched out 165 hitters in 136.2 innings, and his recent game log is littered with strong strikeout totals, nine, six, seven, seven, eight, and nine again.

Even in his roughest outings, the strikeouts have been high, which makes this line of 4.5 look low. As long as he can limit walks and stay in the game, Flaherty’s ability to miss bats should put him over this number.

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#2. Mason Barnett: Under 4.5 Ks (-165) [Safest Pick]

Barnett is stepping onto the big-league mound for the first time, and while the matchup with a Rangers lineup that struggles with on-base percentage looks tempting, this is a tough spot to back him for strikeouts.

The rookie carried a 5.83 ERA and 1.56 WHIP in Triple-A, with control issues showing in his 60 walks across 117.1 innings.

Making a debut against a patient Texas lineup is rarely a recipe for a long outing, and with nerves likely to play a role, it’s hard to see him racking up punchouts. The under looks like the safest play of the day.

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#1. Gavin Williams: Under 5.5 Ks (+100) [Bold Prediction]

Gavin Williams has the stuff to be a strikeout pitcher, but his recent outings highlight why the under looks appealing here.

He lasted just 3.1 innings in his last start against Texas, giving up three runs with four walks while striking out only three. Walks have been a recurring problem, keeping him from working deep into games.

Now facing a Mariners lineup that’s been showing more patience at the plate, Williams could once again struggle to pile up strikeouts, making the under 5.5 at plus money a sharp contrarian play.