On the surface, you might not think this is much of a contest. The Miami Marlins lost 100 games last season and didn’t get many reinforcements this offseason. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs made major splashes and are one of the big stories early in the season. So how could this possibly close?
Baseball finds ways to baseball, that’s how. Monday’s game was a perfect example, a back-and-forth affair with four lead changes until a walk-off victory by the Marlins. Anything can happen on the diamond, no matter how good or bad your club is. I’m expecting more chaos on Wednesday.
The Cubs enter at -130 on the moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. The run total is set at 8.5. Let’s take a look at the best bets for Wednesday’s game.
Cubs vs. Marlins pick and prediction
Over 8.5 Total (-122)
The Cubs have one of the best offenses in the league in the early going. With the breakouts of Pete Crow-Armstrong and Carson Kelly, plus the continued excellence of Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki, it’s no wonder they are putting runs on the board.
What’s been surprising is that the Marlins have held their own offensively. A lot of unexpected names are providing that production. Kyle Stowers is well ahead of schedule and on pace to make an All-Star team. Catcher Agustín Ramírez has been a shot in the arm since his call up. Dane Myers is more than just a glove, and Connor Norby is heating up as well.
This all adds up to an over for me. While Max Meyer has been excellent for Miami in the early going, this formidable Cubs lineup will test him sorely. On top of that, the Cubs are turning to rookie Cade Horton. While a highly-touted prospect, he’s been struggling so far. We may not be in for a full repeat of Monday’s game, but I’m counting on runs going up on the board.
