The American League free agent market is heating up as we identify key players poised to make an impact in 2025. Tyler Anderson of the Angels has started the season strong, posting a 2.87 ERA, while the Twins look to David Festa, who recently showcased a solid K:BB rate in his initial starts. J.T. Ginn of the Athletics has been an impressive strikeout artist in the minors and earned a win against the Mets. The Astros are dealing with injuries in their rotation, giving Ryan Gusto an opportunity to shine. Kyle Hendricks has found his form with the Angels, while Easton Lucas of the Blue Jays continues to build momentum with two scoreless outings.
Additionally, the Twins consider Zebby Matthews for a potential call-up, and Lance McCullers Jr. is on the path to return from injuries. Meanwhile, teams like the Red Sox are monitoring Liam Hendriks’ recovery as he transitions back into a key role in their bullpen.

MLB player prop betting is heating up, with several exciting strikeout props available for April 12, 2025. Top prop bets feature ace Cristopher Sanchez from the Philadelphia Phillies, who boasts an impressive 34% strikeout rate. His matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals, who struggle against left-handed pitchers, makes the OVER 5.5 strikeouts at +125 an enticing choice. Conversely, Miles Mikolas of the Cardinals is projected to fall short on his UNDER 3.5 strikeouts, backed by a low 10% strikeout rate and the Phillies' disciplined offense.

Jordan Hicks of the San Francisco Giants is highlighted for his OVER 4.5 strikeouts, especially facing a Yankees lineup that swings freely. Andrew Heaney, pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates, is also recommended for OVER 5.5 strikeouts against a struggling Reds offense. For value, Trevor Williams is set at OVER 4.5 strikeouts against the Marlins, who are noted for their high strikeout rate. Finally, Luis Ortiz might hit the UNDER 4.5 strikeouts due to his lack of swing-and-miss stuff. With multiple opportunities, it's a day ripe for strikeout prop betting.

The Philadelphia Phillies are set to continue their three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Saturday. This matchup starts at 2:15 PM, featuring Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sánchez, who has a 4.09 ERA with no wins yet this season, against Cardinals right-hander Miles Mikolas, whose ERA has ballooned to 11.25 after suffering a loss in his last outing.

If you're in the Philadelphia market, tune into NBCSP+ to catch the game live, while additional streaming options include platforms such as FuboTV, Hulu, Peacock, and YouTube TV. For those looking for radio coverage, 94WIP and WDEL 101.7 FM/1150 AM will have you covered. Notably, the Phillies will also be featured on Apple TV+ this season for select games, available with a subscription.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has made headlines after agreeing to a landmark 14-year, $500 million contract extension with the Toronto Blue Jays, solidifying his place as one of the league's top talents. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds are facing struggles, having gone 28 innings without a run, but manager Terry Francona remains optimistic about their turnaround.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have kicked off their season in stellar fashion, achieving a 7-0 record and tying the 1933 New York Yankees for the best start by a reigning champion. Shohei Ohtani's impact was felt when he delivered a crucial walk-off hit against the Atlanta Braves, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. In other news, the Boston Red Sox extended contracts for pitcher Garrett Crochet and rookie Kristian Campbell, looking to build a strong foundation for the future.

In player news, veteran pitcher Lance Lynn announced his retirement after an impressive 13-season career, including a World Series title and All-Star appearances. Elly De La Cruz shined for the Reds with an explosive performance, hitting two home runs and driving in seven runs.