We all love player props, and with the announcement of the Blue Jays Game 1 starter being Trey Yesavage, it was time to dig for a hitter who could find success against the rookie right-hander making his World Series debut.
I landed on Mookie Betts. I already liked him to possibly leave the yard in Game 1, as I mentioned in a previous article. Initially, I expected Betts to face Kevin Gausman, but now he finds himself in a potentially more favorable matchup against a 22-year-old in the most high-pressure moment of his career so far.
Betts vs. Yesavage
Yesavage has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has clear flaws, particularly against right-handed hitters. In his near 30-inning career, righties have lit him up, with a 6.30 ERA, 6.12 xERA, and nearly 73 percent hard contact allowed. Hitters own a .290 xBA, .470 xSLG, and .394 xwOBA over that stretch. In his last 30 innings, opponents are at a .404 xBA, .644 xSLG, and .363 xwOBA, while Yesavage carries a 1.74 WHIP and 5.68 ERA, allowing 60 percent hard contact.
Betts, on the other hand, brings postseason experience like no other. He will be playing in his 85th playoff game and his 17th World Series contest. In his previous 16 World Series games, he owns a .254 batting average, a .772 OPS, and seven extra-base hits.
The matchup favors Betts. Yesavage relies on fastballs nearly half the time, all of which grade below league average. Against 71 percent of Yesavage's pitch mix this season, Betts has recorded a batting average of at least .315, an OPS of at least .902, and a wRC+ of at least 164.
A future Hall of Famer faces a potential World Series breakout star. Who will come out on top? Will the bright lights overwhelm the young arm, or will he show poise against a lineup full of talent? After giving up ten hits and six runs in his last two ALCS starts, Betts appears in a strong spot to succeed, especially at plus money.
Game 1 sets up as a classic clash of experience versus youth. Betts has seen it all on the biggest stage, while Yesavage navigates his first World Series start. The numbers favor Betts, particularly against right-handed pitching and fastballs of Yesavage's caliber. History and skill point to the veteran having the upper hand, making him an intriguing option for player props as the series begins.
Best Bet: Mookie Betts Over 1.5 Bases (+115) odds via BetOnline
