Another Crosstown Classic is on tap in the Windy City. Right now, these two franchises are in drastically different spots. The Cubs are a game out of first in the NL Central, emerging as a legitimate World Series contender. The White Sox own the American League’s worst record at 37-66. Still, in this high-stakes battle for Chicago bragging rights, expect the unexpected. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Friday’s matchup between the Cubs and the White Sox.
The Cubs are favorites (-180) over the White Sox, with the over/under set at eight runs. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering tonight’s contest.
Cubs vs. White Sox prediction, preview
As previously mentioned, the Cubs are one of the NL’s top teams. That’s due in large part to an offense averaging the second-most runs per game in all of baseball (5.26). A whopping eight different regulars in Chicago’s lineup have a wRC+ of at least 100. That includes prized offseason acquisition Kyle Tucker (145 wRC+) and budding star Pete Crow-Armstrong (137 wRC+). Worth noting: over their last ten games the Cubs have scored 42 runs, tied for the league’s eighth-lowest mark.
To keep a dangerous lineup at bay, the White Sox will turn to Adrian Houser. The ninth-year pro has been a solid arm throughout his career, but he’s emerged as a force in 2025. Through 62.0 innings of work, the righty has posted a 1.89 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. Regression is likely inevitable (3.01 FIP), but the 32-year-old has earned the title of staff ace. Making what could be his final start for the South Siders, Houser should come out firing in this marquee matchup. The veteran has yet to allow more than three earned runs in any of his ten outings this season.
For the visitors, it’ll be former All-Star Shota Imanaga taking the mound. Despite dealing with injury issues, the Japanese hurler has never been better. Over 13 appearances, he’s posted a 2.40 ERA and 0.92 WHIP. In addition, the 31-year-old has surrendered just six total runs over his previous five outings (1.78 ERA). The White Sox are averaging a minuscule 3.70 runs scored per game, the fourth-worst offensive output in all of baseball. That does’t bode well for their chances heading into this showdown with the Cubs and their ace.
Cubs vs. White Sox pick, best bet
Best Bet: Cubs vs. White Sox first 5 innings UNDER 4.5 runs (-130)
As heavy favorites, there isn’t much value on the Cubbies tonight. However, it’s also impossible to fade Imanaga right now. The same can be said of Houser, who continues to dominate despite a lack of run support. To avoid messing with a shaky White Sox bullpen, the savvy move might be to take a first five innings under. Don’t be shocked if these two talented arms keep things scoreless to kick things off tonight.
