SportsLine analyst targets Schwarber and Wood for home run props ahead of MLB return
With Kyle Schwarber leading the majors in home runs and James Wood on a hot streak, the SportsLine expert outlines his primary selections for the weekend.
SportsLine analyst Matt Severance has released his home run prop selections for the Major League Baseball slate on Friday, 17 July 2026, as the league returns from the All-Star Break. The analysis focuses on a 15-game schedule featuring all 30 teams, with specific attention directed toward Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber and Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood.
Schwarber currently leads the majors with 32 home runs, positioning him as the -130 favourite to top the league in the category. This marks a significant shift from the pre-break odds, where New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge was the +350 favourite. Schwarber’s performance has surpassed that of Judge, and he now holds the edge over Ryan Howard, whose 48 home runs in 2008 remain the last time a Phillie led MLB in the category.
The second key selection involves James Wood, who is tied for fourth in the majors with 28 home runs. Wood has recorded 12 home runs in his past 12 games and leads the majors with 89 runs scored. Severance noted a personal connection to the Nationals’ player, sharing names with his late grandfather and uncle, while highlighting Wood’s efficiency as a leadoff hitter, which provides him with additional at-bats compared to a cleanup spot.
In a matchup at Coors Field, the analysis also highlights Cincinnati Reds utility player Willi Castro against Colorado Rockies pitcher Brady Singer. Castro has hit two home runs in 21 at-bats against Singer, a record no other active Colorado player has matched. Singer’s road performance this season is notably weaker, with a 6.75 ERA compared to a 2.98 ERA at Great American Ball Park, making the Denver environment a focal point for the prop selection.
Severance, who has been up $1,681 on MLB picks over the past four seasons, directed readers to SportsLine for further analysis. The report also referenced promotional offers from DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel, noting specific bonus structures for new users engaging with home run prop bets on Friday’s slate.
