It’s do or die time for the Mets. Following a second half collapse, New York now finds itself on the outside looking in for a playoff spot. A win tonight is crucial, but it won’t be easy. The Cubs have already clinched a spot in the postseason, but they still have something to play for. Every victory for Chicago will bolster its chances at hosting a wildcard round series. Which of these National League clubs will come out on top? Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Tuesday’s meeting between the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs.
New York is favored (-111) over Chicago, with the over/under set at 7.5 runs. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering tonight’s contest.
Mets vs. Cubs prediction, preview
Pitching has been a major issue recently in the Big Apple. Despite a solid start to the season, the Mets have seen their starting rotation crumble over the past few weeks. That includes tonight’s hurler, David Peterson. In nine appearances since August 1st, the All-Star owns a 6.99 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 48 strikeouts. The southpaw coughed up six runs over 5.0 innings vs. the Padres last week. A date with the Cubs, baseball’s eighth-highest scoring offense, is no easy task. However, Chicago has only scored 37 runs over its previous ten contests. That’s tied for the league’s seventh-lowest mark during that time.
The North Siders certainly aren’t lacking in firepower. Eight different regulars in this lineup have recorded a wRC+ of 100 or better this season. However, it’s impossible to ignore the team’s struggles at the plate. This month, Chicago is slashing just .241/.321/.402 as a team. Several first half standouts have seen their production take a hit in recent weeks. The biggest name in that regard is Pete Crow-Armstrong; the outfielder has notched a .484 OPS since August 1st.
Things have been better at the plate than they have been on the mound for New York. The team’s Big Three of Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, and Francisco Lindor continue to produce. As a whole, this offense ranks 13th in baseball this month with 89 runs scored. Will that continue tonight against one of the National League’s hottest pitchers? Cubs rookie Cade Horton has been nothing short of phenomenal this season. In 11 starts since July 20th, the right-hander has posted a 0.93 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 52 strikeouts. The 24-year-old has allowed no more than two earned runs in each of those outings. That includes games against elite offenses such as Boston, Toronto, and Milwaukee.
Mets vs. Cubs pick, best bet
Best Bet: Cubs ML (-110)
New York will come out with a chip on its shoulder following last weekend’s series loss vs. Washington. Regardless, the more talented arm taking the field tonight is unquestionably Horton. While Peterson is due for a decent showing, he’s a difficult pitcher to trust at the moment. Even this slumping Chicago offense should do just enough to earn a win on Tuesday.
