Texas Rangers vs Chicago Cubs

The defending champs from Arlington arrive at Wrigley Field boasting an impressive 8-2 record and a five-game winning streak. The Rangers' offense has been energized by contributions from Adolis García and Marcus Semien, while Corey Seager—who holds a .290 career average against the Cubs—remains a consistent threat. On the other side, the Cubs, with a 7-5 record, have recently faced setbacks, losing two of their last three games. Their rotation seeks stability, especially with Jameson Taillon on the IL. However, the bullpen has shown resilience, with Julian Merryweather and Mark Leiter Jr. delivering solid performances. Justin Steele, taking the mound for Chicago, had a strong 2024 season and began this year with a quality start. Notably, he's only faced Texas once in his career, allowing just one earned run over six innings in that outing. Despite Steele's capabilities, the Rangers' deeper and healthier lineup gives them a slight edge. Betting value leans towards Texas on the moneyline, though the matchup promises competitiveness. The grade remains a B+ — indicative of promising value, but not without considerations. Odds and availability are subject to change.

Coming off a five-game winning streak, the defending champion Texas Rangers roll into Wrigley with momentum, but they're about to meet a Cubs squad that plays stingy at home and is itching to rebound after dropping their last game. The North Siders benefit from chilly early April temps that traditionally dampen offense at Wrigley, and with Justin Steele set to duel against Nathan Eovaldi, expect pitching to dominate. The Cubs’ offense has been inconsistent, especially with Seiya Suzuki still nursing an oblique issue, while the Rangers will feel Corey Seager’s absence in the middle infield and heart of the order. Though El Bombi—Adolis García—is always a threat, he’s just 3-for-17 lifetime at Wrigley, and hasn’t historically fared well against sinker-heavy pitchers like Steele. With playoff pressure still months away, both skippers are content to ride their arms, and this pitcher-friendly scenario points heavily toward the Under hitting. Odds and availability are subject to change.

Texas enters Wrigley riding a five-game win streak and displaying the kind of early-season consistency that the Cubs, dropping three of their last five, have yet to find. The Rangers’ pitching staff is in strong form, boosted by a sharp Nathan Eovaldi who's coming off a seven-strikeout, no-earned-run outing, while Chicago's offense continues to scuffle with runners in scoring position. The Cubbies will also be without slugger Seiya Suzuki, sidelined by an oblique strain, which hampers the middle of the North Siders’ lineup. Marcus Semien remains a key factor for the Rangers—he owns a lifetime .321 average at Wrigley and has seen Cubs starter Justin Steele well in past matchups. Though it's early in the season, every win matters in the tight AL West, and Bochy’s guys know it. Backing the underdog Rangers with the +1.5 line offers solid value given current form and injuries. This one earns a B+ grade—likely to hit, but the steep odds shave some profit potential. Odds and availability are subject to change.