CBS Sports analysts target Ohtani and Rice for MLB home run props on May 26

CBS Sports analysts have released home run prop betting recommendations for the Major League Baseball slate on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. The full schedule features 15 games with all 30 teams participating, providing a broad field for player prop markets. The editorial focus centres on two high-profile hitters: Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Alex Rice of the New York Yankees.

Ohtani is selected to hit a home run against Colorado Rockies pitcher Kyle Freeland. Despite the left-on-left matchup, analysts point to Ohtani’s historical dominance over the veteran left-hander. He holds a 7-for-11 record against Freeland, including two home runs and an on-base plus slugging (OPS) figure nearing 2.000. Additionally, Ohtani has hit three of his eight season home runs off left-handed pitchers.

The recommendation is bolstered by Ohtani’s recent offensive form. Over his last 11 games, he has posted an OPS exceeding 1.200 and has recorded two home runs. This performance follows a slower start to the season, but analysts describe the current matchup as an excellent spot for the four-time MVP to extend his power output.

Alex Rice is the second primary recommendation, facing the Kansas City Royals. The Yankees’ slugger has 16 home runs for the season, trailing only Aaron Judge’s 17. Rice has five home runs against left-handed pitchers this year and is set to face Royals starter Bailey Falter, who has an earned run average of 9.82.

The rationale for Rice extends beyond the starting pitcher. The Royals are utilising a bullpen day, and analysts note that Kansas City’s relief corps is considered among the worst in baseball. This structural weakness provides Rice with favourable matchups throughout the game, even after Falter departs the contest.

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