Yankees vs. Red Sox: The best player prop bets for the AL Wild Card Game

Welcome to October, baseball fans! Throw out all the stats from the past 162 games and strap in as we kick off the postseason tonight with the New York Yankees visiting the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

The Bronx Bombers have been finding their rhythm lately with Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge leading the way with a combined 33 RBI over their last 15 games. The Red Sox have also been crushing the ball, but with more of a democratic approach, as different players have stepped up big on a nightly basis.

Pitching wise, the Yankees have a slight edge with their ace, Gerrit Cole (16-8, 3.23 ERA, 243 K), taking the mound against Nathan Eovaldi (11-9, 3.75 ERA, 195 K). New York’s bullpen also tops Boston’s in most categories including ERA and WHIP.

First pitch is scheduled for 8:07 p.m. ET, and we have three of the best player prop bets below.

GERRIT COLE: OVER/UNDER 7.5 STRIKEOUTS

AL Cy Young contender Gerrit Cole will try to keep rolling against the Red Sox this evening. The four-time All-Star has a 2-2 record against Boston in 2021, and has averaged 7.75 strikeouts to 2.25 walks while facing the Sox. Cole also has an 8-4 record in the postseason, which includes his win against the Cleveland Indians in last year’s AL Wild Card Game.

Although "Cole Train" is certainly capable of great things in October, his projected strikeout total this evening seems high, and is likely only achievable if he pitches late into the game. Remember, the Red Sox have seen him four times this season, and know precisely what to expect. They'll try to chase Cole out of the game early, long before he has a chance to rack up eight strikeouts or more.

PICK: UNDER 7.5 STRIKEOUTS (-159)

GIANCARLO STANTON: OVER/UNDER 0.5 RBI

Giancarlo Stanton has been crucial to New York holding on to make the AL Wild Card Game. The former MVP hit home runs in four consecutive games last week, three of which were at Fenway.

Over this season, the veteran has slugged himself to respectable stat line of 35 HR, 97 RBI, and an .870 OPS. He'll be looking to get to Eovaldi early as he has compiled seven runs batted in in 27 at-bats against the righty over his career.

Expect Stanton to play a key role again tonight by providing some timely run support.

PICK: OVER 0.5 RBI (+160)

RAFAEL DEVERS: PLAYER TO HIT A HOME RUN

We can probably expect a few balls to leave the yard tonight in hitter-friendly Fenway Park. Our top choice to drive the ball deep is Rafael Devers, the man that hit the game winning two-run homer for the Red Sox in their last game of the season on Sunday.

The All-Star third baseman has posted exceptional numbers against Gerrit Cole as he’s tallied three homers and eight RBI in 19 career at-bats. Combine that advantage with the consistent success he’s had this season, belting a career high 38 home runs, and he looks poised for success tonight.

PICK: YES (+350)