- This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Milwaukee (26-18) at Chi. Cubs (29-18)
- When: May 18 2026, 7:40 PM
- Where: Wrigley Field, Chicago
- TV: BREW
Milwaukee vs Chi. Cubs MLB Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Chi. Cubs -165
Runline: Chi. Cubs -1.5 (+112)
Total: 10.5
Milwaukee Brewers Betting Breakdown
The Brewers arrive in Chicago carrying strong recent form, but they also carry memories of last October when they sent the Cubs home in dramatic postseason fashion.
Milwaukee Brewers have quietly climbed back into the National League Central race after winning eight of their last 10 games. Their strong May stretch has pulled them within striking distance of first place, and confidence inside the clubhouse appears to be growing rapidly.
A major reason for that improvement has been the recent progress of young right-hander Brandon Sproat.
Sproat struggled badly during his first several outings with Milwaukee after arriving in the offseason trade involving Freddy Peralta, but his last two starts have shown major signs of stabilization. Across those appearances, the young right-hander owns a 2.89 ERA while showing improved command and confidence attacking hitters inside the strike zone.
His most recent outing against San Diego delivered the first victory of his major league career, and manager Pat Murphy believes removing that pressure could allow Sproat to pitch far more freely moving forward.
The challenge Monday becomes handling one of baseball’s deeper offensive lineups inside Wrigley Field.
Milwaukee’s offense remains capable of matching scoring runs with anyone in the division. The Brewers continue receiving balanced production throughout the lineup, and their aggressive baserunning style consistently pressures opposing pitching staffs.
If Sproat can limit early damage and keep Chicago from creating crooked innings, Milwaukee absolutely possesses enough offense to remain highly competitive in this opener.
Brewers Player Prop Pick: Brandon Sproat Over 4.5 Strikeouts – Chicago’s aggressive lineup creates strikeout opportunities, and Sproat’s recent improvement suggests another productive outing is possible.
Chicago Cubs Betting Breakdown
The Cubs return home frustrated after another difficult series loss, but there are finally signs this offense may be waking back up.
Chicago Cubs have dropped three straight series and recently endured a brutal offensive slump, scoring only five runs across five games before exploding for 21 runs during this past weekend against the White Sox.
The lineup desperately needed that offensive breakout.
Veteran Michael Conforto continues emerging as one of the club’s more important contributors. After arriving on a minor league contract earlier this year, Conforto has delivered outstanding production with a .345 average, three home runs, and 11 RBIs in limited action.
The Cubs also hand the ball to their most reliable arm right now in Shota Imanaga.
Imanaga enters Monday with a sparkling 2.32 ERA and continues pitching deeper into games consistently. Across his last three starts, the Japanese left-hander owns a 1.35 ERA while repeatedly limiting hard contact and controlling counts efficiently.
His most recent outing against Atlanta perfectly reflected how well he has pitched lately despite limited offensive support. Imanaga worked seven strong innings while allowing only two runs and striking out six.
The only concern involves his history against Milwaukee. The Brewers have traditionally matched up well against him, as evidenced by his 5.73 ERA across four career starts versus Milwaukee.
Still, Chicago’s improving offense combined with Imanaga’s current form makes the Cubs deserving favorites entering the opener.
Cubs Player Prop Pick: Shota Imanaga Over 5.5 Strikeouts – Imanaga’s recent command and efficiency position him well for another strong strikeout performance at home.
MLB Expert Picks & Final Score Prediction
This rivalry series should produce offense, emotion, and plenty of momentum swings.
Milwaukee enters hotter overall, but Chicago’s offense finally appears to be breaking out after an extended slump. Imanaga’s consistency on the mound gives the Cubs a significant edge, especially against a young pitcher still adjusting to major league pressure.
Expect a competitive game early before Chicago’s lineup gradually separates late.
Final Score: Cubs 7, Brewers 5
Lean: Chi. Cubs -1.5 (+112)
Total: Over 10.5 (-115)
- MLB Baseball Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
