We have one day left before the All-Star break. It’s a Sunday loaded with incredible matchups across the league. One of the best contests on the slate is an interleague matchup between the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees.
Both squads are in heated division races. The Cubs are a game ahead of the surging Milwaukee Brewers, a race that could go on all season long. New York has lost its division lead to the Toronto Blue Jays and needs to stay composed if it wants to remain in striking distance. Sunday’s game will set the mood for these two teams over the All-Star break. No loss sits in your mind longer than the one before a five-day break.
The Yankees are -131 moneyline favorites at home on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Cubs are +108 road underdogs. The total is set at nine runs. Let’s go ahead and dig into a prediction for this Cubs vs. Yankees contest.
Cubs vs. Yankees prediction, preview
On paper, there is a profound gulf in the pitching quality. Shota Imanaga takes the mound for the Cubs; he’s working on his second straight season of a sub-3.00 ERA. The lefty hurler has a way of keeping his pitches away from barrels. That’s going to go a long way against a New York squad full of power.
Will Warren, the Yankees starter, has a difficult task as well. The young right-hander is still looking to find his footing in the league. Blessed with a fantastic fastball, he’s still working on his off-speed pitches. Up against one of the best offenses in baseball, he needs to be at the top of his game. I’m not counting on Warren in this one; this Chicago offense is just too potent for his developing skill level.
Cubs vs. Yankees pick, best bet
On the season, the Cubs are 7-4 when Imanaga takes the mound. With someone of his quality paired with Chicago’s offense, that’s an excellent equation for a win, even against a team as good as the Yankees.
New York has been hitting well against left-handers. But Imanaga matches up exceptionally well with the Yankees’ style of swinging hard and waiting for the right pitch. I trust the Northsiders to pull through in this road contest and go into the All-Star break on a high note.
