When it comes to the start of a new season, both the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers are hoping to start their chase of a National League Central crown on the right foot. While good things are expected from Milwaukee, which is the preseason favorite to win the division, the Cubs are seeking to start their rebuild.
Chicago, which got rid of most of its core from the Cubs’ 2016 World Series team, will begin a season where most MLB expert picks have Chicago on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs. The Cubs last made the playoffs when they won the division title in 2020.
Milwaukee has been knocking on the door of the World Series after qualifying for the playoffs in each of the past four seasons for the first time in their history.
Last games records
Both teams are 0-0; this is the season opener for both teams.
Matchup Information
Brewers at Cubs Betting Analysis
Milwaukee Betting Analysis
The Brewers will send defending NL Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes to the bump to kick off the season. Burnes emerged as one of the league’s top pitchers, recording a league-low 2.43 ERA and compiling an 11-5 record. Burnes, who pitched primarily out of the bullpen during his past three seasons, made all 28 of his appearances as a starter.
Milwaukee’s opening day lineup will feature some new faces in addition to their regular stars. Former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen will make his Brewers’ debut in the middle of the lineup as a DH. While McCutchen still doesn’t play with his MVP former, he showed last season he can still hit for power.
McCutchen belted 27 home runs for the Phillies last season, which was the most McCutchen has hit since he smashed 20 in 2018.
Milwaukee will also welcome back All-Star outfielder Christian Yelich, in addition to catcher Omar Narvaez, second baseman Kolten Wong and shortstop Willy Adames. Adames hit 20 home runs and drove in 58 RBIs last season.
Chicago Betting Analysis
Chicago’s opening day starter, Kyle Hendricks, is hoping last year was an aberration. Hendricks compiled a 14-7 record during his starts but allowed a National League-leading 200 hits. His ERA was also a career-high 4.77.
According to most sports betting guides, the hardest thing Chicago will have to adjust to is having an early, entirely new lineup. Joc Pederson, Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Baez have all departed to different places.
The Cubs are hoping some players that showed potential last year will be able to take major steps forward. Frank Schwinderl, who is 29, had a .342 batting average with an OPS of 1.002 and 13 home runs after being signed in July last season off waivers.
Infielder Ian Happ saw a major decline in his batting average but demonstrated plenty of power in his bat. Happ, who hit 25 home runs and drove in 66 RBIs for the Cubs last season, will be counted on to have a bounce-back season.
Updates
Milwaukee catcher Pedro Severino will be suspended for the opener. Cubs pitcher Wade Miley is listed as day-to-day, as is Chicago shortstop Andrelton Simmons.
Brewers at Cubs Betting Preview
MLB betting odds have Milwaukee as -150 on the moneyline, while the Cubs are +128.
Brewers at Cubs Betting Prediction
MLB expert picks are always difficult to make for the season opener because teams are still going to be figuring things out. However, Milwaukee is a team on a mission to get to the World Series.
To get there, the Brewers are going to have to beat up on the bottom three teams in the NL Central, which most people believe will include the Pirates, Reds, and Cubs.
Milwaukee will also be able to put its strong batting lineup up against Hendricks, who had a hard time getting people out last year.
The Brewers, who have seen Hendricks a lot, will be able to exploit his weaknesses and get off on the right foot for this season. Burnes will want to build off his Cy Young season and start making a statement to try and repeat as the NL’s best pitcher.
According to most MLB betting trends, the best bet is on Milwaukee at -150.
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