The Miami Marlins (76-80) and Chicago Cubs (87-69) play the first game Tuesday of a 3-game series in Chicago, Illinois. First pitch from Wrigley Field is at 7:40 p.m. ET. Let's analyze MLB odds around the Marlins vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Cubs lead 2-1
The Marlins continue their 9-game road trip in Chicago after being swept at the San Diego Padres. Miami is 2-4 on the trip after allowing 22 runs during the 3-game series against San Diego. The Marlins have been eliminated from postseason contention.
The Cubs took their series against the Cincinnati Reds with a 9-1 win in Sunday’s rubber match. Chicago cashed as a -168 road favorite as the Over (9.5) hit. CF Pete Crow-Armstrong went
3 for 5 with a double and his 45th home run, tying for the MLB lead. 2B Pedro Ramirez also finished 3 for 5 and drove in 2 runs as the Cubs closed the series with a win.
Chicago is currently tied with the Padres for the top NL Wild Card spot.
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Marlins at Cubs projected starters
RHP Janson Junk vs. RHP Kevin Gausman
Junk (6-9, 4.50 ERA) makes his 24th start and 25th appearance. He has a 1.34 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 6.2 K/9 in 114 innings.
- Last start: No-decision, 3 IP, 1 ER, 5 H (1 HR), 1 BB, 4 K in 4-2 win at Arizona Diamondbacks Tuesday
- Only start vs. Cubs: Loss, 5 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 4 K in 6-1 home loss Sept. 4
- 2026 road splits: 3-5, 4.66 ERA (46 1/3 IP, 24 ER), 1.58 WHIP, 7 HR, 6.0 K/9 in 10 starts
Gausman (9-12, 4.55 ERA) makes his 32nd start. He has a 1.27 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 9.3 K/9 in 172 innings.
- Last start: No-decision, 5 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 0 BB, 6 K in 6-3 loss vs. Atlanta Braves Tuesday
- Career vs. Marlins: 4-2, 2.41 ERA (52 1/3 IP, 14 ER), 0.99 WHIP, 3 HR, 9.3 K/9 in 10 games (9 starts)
- 2026 home splits: 5-5, 3.87 ERA (95 1/3 IP, 41 ER), 1.23 WHIP, 15 HR, 9.6 K/9 in 17 starts
Marlins at Cubs odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:21 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Marlins +185 (bet $100 to win $185) | Cubs -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Marlins +1.5 (-125) | Cubs -1.5 (+105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -118 | U: -102)
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Marlins at Cubs picks and predictions
Prediction
Cubs 6, Marlins 3
Moneyline
PASS.
I like the Cubs (-220) to win, but not interested at these odds.
Run line/Against the spread
Chicago brings a major offensive advantage into Tuesday, averaging an MLB-best 5.3 runs per game (RPG) with 217 homers and a .340 on-base percentage. Miami averages just 4.4 RPG and arrives at Wrigley Field after allowing 22 runs during a 3-game sweep in San Diego.
The splits make the matchup even more appealing. Chicago is 45-33 at home, while Miami has struggled to a 31-47 road record.
Gausman also gives the Cubs the advantage on the mound, 4-2 since joining Chicago as Miami counters with Junk, who Chicago beat 6-1 earlier this month.
With the better lineup, favorable pitching matchup and strong home record, I’m laying the CUBS -1.5 (+105) Tuesday.
Over/Under
Recent trends point toward another high-scoring game Tuesday. The Over has hit in 4 of the last 6 meetings, 5 of Miami’s last 7 games and 5 of Chicago’s last 6. The Cubs lead MLB at 5.3 RPG while the Marlins are allowing 4.6 RPG game. I’m BETTING THE OVER 6.5 (-118).
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Miami Marlins at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions
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