Strikeout props take center stage as the MLB season gains momentum. As we head into April 5, 2025, the betting landscape is ripe with opportunities, especially for savvy bettors looking to capitalize on pitchers with favorable matchups. Today's highlighted picks include players like Reese Olson of the Detroit Tigers, who is projected to exceed 5.5 strikeouts against the Chicago White Sox, a team that has shown a tendency to strike out against right-handed pitching. Olson's recent strong performance against the Dodgers showcases his potential.

Spencer Arrighetti from the Houston Astros, also targeting 5.5 strikeouts, faces a Twins lineup grappling with strikeout regression. With a solid debut under his belt and a potent curveball, Arrighetti could easily exceed this mark. Taj Bradley, meanwhile, will need to navigate the deep Texas Rangers lineup, but his strikeout rate suggests he’s capable of meeting the 5.5 threshold. Brady Singer has reinvented himself with a potent mix of pitches leading to increased strikeouts in his recent outings. He'll encounter a Brewers lineup that has struggled against righties. Lastly, keep an eye on AJ Smith-Shawver, who faces the Miami Marlins, one of the more strikeout-prone teams in baseball, making his 4.5 strikeout prop an intriguing bet.

In a pre-season matchup, the Toronto Blue Jays fell to the St. Louis Cardinals 9-5, with Bowden Francis struggling on the mound, allowing three earned runs over 3 2/3 innings. Francis, a frontrunner for a spot in the starting rotation, surrendered seven hits but managed to strike out five batters. The Cardinals showcased a formidable offense, out-hitting the Blue Jays 16-10. Brendon Little took the loss for Toronto, while Andre Pallante secured the win with five solid innings of work.

The St. Louis Cardinals are looking to leverage the experience and leadership of Sonny Gray while navigating a transitional phase within the organization. After initially considering trading the veteran pitcher to clear payroll, they now see him as a valuable asset for mentoring young talent such as Michael McGreevy and Andre Pallante. Newcomer Quinn Mathews has expressed excitement about learning from Gray, having impressed in the minors with strong stats, including an 8-5 record and a 2.76 ERA last season.

As the Cardinals gear up for the 2025 season, they remain hopeful that the combination of Gray's expertise and the promising abilities of their younger pitchers will solidify their rotation. While Gray and Erick Fedde are the only established pitchers, Mathews' performance during spring training could signal a brighter future for the Cardinals' starting lineup.

The St. Louis Cardinals are nearing the completion of arbitration decisions for eligible players as they prepare for the 2025 season. The team is focused on reducing payroll, resulting in a mixed outcome for their players. Outfielder Lars Nootbaar emerged victorious in his arbitration case, securing a salary of $2.95 million, while Brendan Donovan lost his hearing and will earn $2.85 million, much less than he sought. With these hearings concluded, the Cardinals are now awaiting the decision on Andre Pallante's case.

Donovan's struggle is particularly notable given his importance to the franchise's future, raising questions about the team's reluctance to settle outside of arbitration. This situation echoes last year's arbitration with utility player Tommy Edman, who was later traded. Despite the current challenges, fans hope for a competitive team and are eager for owner Bill DeWitt Jr. to be more open to spending in free agency.