Texas (8-4) at Chi. Cubs (9-5)
- When: Apr 9 2025, 2:20 PM
- Where: Wrigley Field, Chicago
- Where to watch: MLBN
MLB Betting Preview & Predictions: Rangers vs Cubs
Moneyline: Chi. Cubs -145 | Total: 8.0
The Chicago Cubs aim to complete a series sweep over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday afternoon at Wrigley Field, and they’ll be sending their ace to the mound in a matchup that favors the home team both statistically and at the betting window.
Chicago Cubs Outlook:
Chicago has been red-hot to open this series, cashing in timely hits and dominating on the mound. The Cubs took the opener 7-0 behind a gem from Justin Steele and followed that up with a clutch 10-6 comeback win Tuesday, capitalizing on a pair of Rangers errors late to erupt for four runs in the eighth. Dansby Swanson led the charge with four RBIs, while Pete Crow-Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, and Seiya Suzuki all chipped in with multi-RBI efforts.
Now, the Cubs turn to left-hander Shota Imanaga (2-0, 0.98 ERA), who’s been lights-out in his first two starts of the year. In his latest outing, Imanaga tossed 7 1/3 innings of one-run ball in a win over the Padres, scattering just four hits without a walk. His command and ability to limit hard contact have been crucial, and he’s shown a knack for working deep into games with efficiency. Imanaga hasn’t faced Texas before, but with a 0.82 WHIP and pinpoint control, he gives the Cubs a strong edge on the mound.
Prop Betting Insight:
Imanaga Over 5.5 Strikeouts is a strong lean here based on Texas’ swing-heavy approach and Imanaga’s efficiency.
Dansby Swanson Over 1.5 Total Bases is also worth targeting given his red-hot bat and clutch production this series.
Texas Rangers Outlook:
The Rangers are hoping to avoid the sweep but haven’t caught many breaks in the series. Despite matching the Cubs with 12 hits Tuesday, they couldn’t overcome costly errors and saw a short bullpen outing from Chris Martin turn disastrous. Josh Jung made his return to the lineup count with three hits, and both Wyatt Langford and Corey Seager chipped in at the plate.
Right-hander Tyler Mahle (1-0, 1.35 ERA) will get the start and look to build on a strong five-inning outing against the Rays last time out. Mahle tossed five shutout innings with seven strikeouts and only one hit allowed, showing signs of his pre-surgery form. Still, his history against the Cubs is mixed — 5-4 with a 4.31 ERA across 14 starts — and he’ll face a confident lineup in tough pitching conditions at Wrigley.
Prop Betting Insight:
Mahle Over 1.5 Walks could be a sneaky value given his command issues in early outings.
Josh Jung to Record a Hit is a solid option after a strong return from the IL.
Prediction:
With Imanaga pitching at an elite level and the Cubs rolling at home, this is a favorable spot for Chicago to grab the sweep. The Rangers are competitive at the plate but haven’t been sharp defensively, and Mahle remains somewhat of a wild card despite his recent form. Expect the Cubs to take advantage of favorable matchups and continue their early-season surge.
Score Prediction: Cubs 4, Rangers 3
Best Bets:
Picks: Cubs -145 ML
Total: Under 8.0 (-105) (lean — both starters can limit damage)
- MLB Odds source: MYBookie Sportsbook
