MLB Home Run Predictions Today: Best HR Prop Bets for Tuesday, Aug. 18

Tuesday’s MLB home run picks spotlight Kevin McGonigle, Ivan Herrera and Willson Contreras as strong candidates to send one into the seats.

by Andrew Phelps

Aug 18, 2026

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera (48) high fives teammates

Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

It’s the “Tuesday Tater Tracker,” and three sluggers have matchups worth attacking. Kevin McGonigle gets Braxton Ashcraft, who’s coughed up eight homers over his last six starts. Ivan Herrera draws Andrew Abbott, a pitcher he’s already taken deep and who’s allowed 13 bombs to righties. Meanwhile, Willson Contreras faces Merrill Kelly, whom he’s crushed for seven hits in 13 career at-bats.

If you’re looking for Tuesday’s best home run props, McGonigle, Herrera and Contreras have the power, history and matchups to leave the yard.

All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change. DraftKings does not sponsor this content.

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Best Home Run Props Today

Kevin McGonigle Home Run Bet (+387)

McGonigle is making himself comfortable in the big leagues, already launching 13 homers in his rookie season. Ten have come against righties and 10 away from home, which makes Tuesday awfully interesting. Braxton Ashcraft has been a home run piñata lately, coughing up eight over his last six starts and 14 to lefties this season. I’m riding McGonigle for a Tuesday moonshot.

Ivan HerreraHome Run Bet(+384)

Herrera’s power numbers may be down a bit, but Tuesday’s matchup has wake-up call written all over it. He’s already 5-for-11 with a homer against Andrew Abbott, and five of his 14 bombs have come against lefties. Abbott has been roughed up for 11 earned runs over his last 16 innings while allowing 13 homers to right-handed bats.

Willson Contreras Home Run Bet (+369)

Contreras has been launching baseballs all season, sitting at 25 homers, and Tuesday brings a familiar face. He’s crushed Merrill Kelly to the tune of 7-for-13 with three doubles and a homer, while 18 of his bombs have come against righties. Kelly has already served up 25 long balls.