The MLB Players Association is swinging for the fences with a proposal that could shake up the sports betting world. This week, the union unveiled a plan to ban all player-specific prop bets—think wagers on hits, home runs, or strikeouts—as a way to curb harassment from frustrated gamblers who take their losses out on athletes.
According to ESPN's David Purdum and Jeff Passan, the MLBPA is pushing for a joint lobbying effort with Major League Baseball to outlaw these bets at sportsbooks and daily fantasy operators. The ban would cover any prop bet on an individual player's performance, whether placed before the first pitch or during the game. That includes popular options like odds for a player to go yard.
Prop bets are a massive chunk of the betting pie. Purdum and Passan report that they could account for up to 30% of all money wagered on an MLB game. That's a lot of cash riding on whether a slugger smashes a dinger or a pitcher racks up strikeouts—and a lot of potential for angry messages when things don't go as planned.
The move comes as sports gambling has exploded across the U.S., with leagues and players grappling with its impact. The MLBPA's proposal echoes concerns about player safety and the integrity of the game, similar to debates in other sports. For instance, the push for natural grass fields in the World Cup has also sparked conversations about player welfare versus commercial interests.
Fans are split on the proposal. Some see it as a necessary step to protect players from online abuse. "If you're messaging players when your bet doesn't hit, you shouldn't be betting," one fan posted on social media, echoing a common sentiment. Another added, "If you're messaging players because your bet doesn't hit, you need something better to do with your life. Stop ruining it for the rest of us."
But not everyone is on board. Critics argue that banning prop bets would take the fun out of betting and hurt the industry. "Why do a select few always have to ruin it for the rest of us? Hopefully this part of the proposal fails," one gambler replied. Another fan warned, "This is a much bigger deal than people think. If MLB somehow gets this to pass, it would be a roadmap for all major sports to follow suit."
Some fans are even pointing fingers at the league's hypocrisy. "If MLB says no to this then I say [expletive] them on behalf of Peter Edward Rose," one commenter wrote. "Their greed for gambling revenue is compromising the integrity of the game far more than he ever did. Hypocrites."
The proposal also raises questions about how other sports handle similar issues. In the NBA, Jalen Brunson's recent parade speech took a shot at Becky Hammon's doubts, highlighting how player narratives can be shaped by off-court drama. Meanwhile, MLB's revival of a classic outs format for the 2026 Home Run Derby shows the league is willing to innovate, but this betting ban is a different kind of curveball.
It's unclear whether MLB will back the union's proposal. The league has embraced sports betting partnerships in recent years, and a ban on prop bets could ruffle feathers with sportsbooks and broadcasters. But with player harassment on the rise, the MLBPA is making a stand. As the debate heats up, one thing is certain: this isn't just about baseball—it's about the future of sports gambling.
