3 MLB Strikeout Props to Back on May 25, 2026

Memorial Day baseball means a full slate of action, and Monday’s 13-game schedule features some of the most dangerous strikeout arms in the game. If you’re looking to get into MLB player props for the first time, strikeout props on starting pitchers are one of the most beginner-friendly ways to bet — and today’s matchups set up beautifully for three K-heavy starters to deliver.

A pitcher strikeout prop is simple: the sportsbook sets a line, say 6.5 strikeouts, and you bet whether the starter will record more or fewer than that total. The key is finding pitchers who miss a lot of bats and face lineups that struggle to make contact. That is exactly what we have on today’s board.

Jacob Misiorowski Is Having a Historic Season — and the Cardinals Won’t Stop It

If you have not been paying attention to what Jacob Misiorowski is doing in Milwaukee this season, now is the time to take notice. The 24-year-old right-hander enters Monday with a 1.89 ERA and 88 strikeouts in just 57 innings over 10 starts. That works out to an absurd 13.9 strikeouts per nine innings — one of the best marks in all of baseball right now.

He is facing the St. Louis Cardinals today at American Family Field. The Cardinals are sending lefty Matthew Liberatore to the mound, a matchup that should keep this a close game and give Misiorowski plenty of opportunities to pitch deep into the contest. Liberatore has a 4.70 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP in 2026, meaning the Cardinals lineup is not exactly an offensive juggernaut. A lineup that struggles to score runs tends to press at the plate, which leads to more swings and misses for dominant starters like Misiorowski.

His fastball regularly touches triple digits and his slider is among the best breaking balls in the NL. Look for the strikeout over on Misiorowski today — check your book for the current line, but anything at 6.5 or below deserves serious consideration at standard or even plus-money odds.

Shane McClanahan Back in Full Force for the Rays

Shane McClanahan is reminding everyone why he was considered one of the best left-handed starters in the American League before injuries derailed his recent seasons. In 2026, the Tampa Bay ace is 5-2 with a 2.82 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 44.2 innings, good for a 9.48 strikeout rate per nine innings.

Today he heads to Oriole Park at Camden Yards to face the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles are starting Kyle Bradish on the other side, who carries a 2-6 record and a 4.13 ERA with a 1.51 WHIP. That elevated WHIP is a sign of a pitcher who is giving up plenty of traffic — the kind of game where the Rays may need McClanahan to carry a heavy load and go deep into innings.

More strikeout opportunities come when a starter pitches longer, and McClanahan is the kind of arm Tampa Bay will ride for as long as they can. The Orioles lineup has shown some swing-and-miss tendencies against premium velocity, which McClanahan brings in spades. His WHIP of 1.05 shows he is keeping baserunners off the bags, meaning he is not working from the stretch all day and can command all his pitches freely.

Target the McClanahan strikeout over — check your book for the current line. Any line at 5.5 or below at reasonable juice fits the profile.

Jesus Luzardo Piles Up the K’s Even When the Results Do Not Show It

Jesus Luzardo is pitching for the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday at Petco Park against the San Diego Padres. His 4.85 ERA is not what anyone hoped for when the Phillies added him to the rotation, but one number stands out: 66 strikeouts in 55.2 innings, which works out to 10.67 strikeouts per nine innings. Even in starts where he has given up runs, Luzardo keeps missing bats at an elite rate.

That is the key distinction when betting strikeout props on a pitcher — you are not betting on run prevention, you are betting on swings and misses. Luzardo’s pure swing-and-miss ability comes from a mid-90s fastball paired with a wipeout changeup. The Padres have Randy Vasquez going on the opposing side, a right-hander who has been excellent with a 2.96 ERA and 5-2 record, but that is irrelevant to what Luzardo does on the mound with his own strikeout stuff.

Petco Park is a spacious, pitcher-friendly environment that can depress offense and extend starts. More innings means more strikeout opportunities. Luzardo should be motivated to bounce back from a rough stretch and this is the kind of spot where strikeout props on a lefty at a neutral-to-friendly park make a lot of sense.

Lock These In Before First Pitch

Monday’s slate has given us three clear strikeout props from starters who are all missing bats at exceptional rates. Misiorowski is the headliner — his 13.9 K/9 rate is simply not replicated by many pitchers in the game today. McClanahan is healthy and back to the form that made him an All-Star-caliber arm. Luzardo’s raw strikeout numbers remain elite regardless of the ERA. Check your preferred sportsbook for current lines and shop around for the best number on each prop.

• Jacob Misiorowski OVER strikeouts (check your book for current line)
• Shane McClanahan OVER strikeouts (check your book for current line)
• Jesus Luzardo OVER strikeouts (check your book for current line)

Props can shift quickly, especially closer to first pitch as lineups are confirmed. Set your alerts and get these in early. You can also track lines at the live MLB odds page for the most current prices. Good luck on Memorial Day Monday.