The Cubs are -118 moneyline favorites over the Guardians in Interleague action today
Cade Horton (1-0, 2.84 ERA) gets the ball for Chicago, while Cleveland counters with Joey Cantilo (0-0, 4.91 ERA)
Keep reading for my Cubs vs Guardians expert picks and predictions, plus the latest odds and betting splits for April 3
The Chicago Cubs hit the road today to face the Cleveland Guardians in an intriguing early-season clash at Progressive Field. First pitch is slated for 4:10 PM ET on MLB.tv and across regional networks. The Cubs enter the contest sitting at an even 3-3 on the year, stepping up to the plate as road favorites in the MLB odds. Meanwhile, a 4-3 Guardians squad finds itself in the role of home underdogs.
The Cubs will hand the ball to starter Cade Horton, hoping he can stifle a Guardians lineup anchored by elite third baseman Jose Ramirez. I’m betting he’ll be able to, making Chicago’s moneyline my preferred wager in the Cubs vs Guardians expert picks. Keep reading for my detailed explanation why, plus the latest odds and betting splits for this matinee affair.
Cubs vs Guardians Expert Picks and Predictions
Chicago Cubs Moneyline (-118 at FanDuel)
Under 7.5 Runs (-108 at FanDuel)
Nico Hoerner Over 1.5 Hits (+150 at DraftKings)
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When dissecting these two interleague foes, the pitching matchup heavily dictates the betting value. I am leaning decisively toward the road dugout based on the numbers. The Cubs, who enter with much shorter World Series odds, boast a disciplined lineup batting .232 with a .330 OBP, and have a clear advantage in the starting pitching department.
Furthermore, with the Guardians experiencing early offensive struggles and utilizing a capable bullpen recording 10.38 K/9, taking the Under 7.5 runs is a logical play for the game total. For pure betting value, I also love Nico Hoerner to go Over 1.5 total hits. He is batting a robust .318 and drawing a favorable matchup.
The pitching mismatch showcases a classic battle between elite command and raw strikeout stuff. Horton has been the model of consistency. He induces soft contact at an elite clip, continuously keeping his defense engaged without self-inflicted damage.
On the opposite end, Cantillo flashes undeniable swing-and-miss stuff with a 12.27 K/9 rate. However, those strikeouts are undermined by severe command issues. He struggles mightily to find the strike zone, walking an alarming 7.36 batters per nine. Cantillo finds himself pitching from the stretch far too often, leading to an inflated 1.91 WHIP.
Cubs vs Guardians Stats
| Statistic | Chicago Cubs | Cleveland Guardians |
|---|---|---|
| Win-Loss Record | 3-3 | 4-3 |
| Runs Per Game | 5.00 | 3.14 |
| Hits Per Game | 7.50 | 6.14 |
| Batting Average (AVG) | .232 | .189 |
| OPS | .691 | .594 |
| Average Exit Velocity | 89.3 mph | 86.7 mph |
| Stolen Bases Per Game | 1.17 | 0.71 |
| Team ERA | 3.50 | 3.98 |
| Team WHIP | 1.09 | 1.28 |
The most glaring mismatch lies entirely at the plate. The Cubs have been highly effective at generating offense, averaging a robust 5.00 runs and 7.50 hits per game. They are leveraging their speed on the basepaths, stealing 1.17 bases per game to continually apply pressure.
Conversely, the Guardians are struggling to push runs across the plate. Their anemic .189 team batting average and .594 OPS signal a massive lack of early-season rhythm. They make overwhelmingly weak contact, highlighted by an 86.7 mph average exit velocity that fails to drive the ball with authority.
Cubs vs Guardians Odds
Shifting gears to the Cubs vs Guardians odds, where FanDuel is the preferred choice to bet the Chicago moneyline and under 7.5 runs. If you’re looking to wager on the Guardians to pull off the upset, make sure to visit Bet365, as their +100 odds are the best currently in market.
Odds as of April 3rd. Claim the bet365 bonus code to bet on MLB this weekend.
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