Cubs vs Astros Predictions, Picks, Odds: Can Cubs Snatch Series Opener?

The Chicago Cubs and the Houston Astros kick off a three-game interleague series at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Monday evening. 

The Cubs lost two of three games to the Twins over the weekend, including an ugly 16-3 loss on Sunday.

The Astros picked up two victories in three tries on the road against the White Sox, and Houston has won three of the past four games overall.

Can the Cubs get it done in another series opener, or will the Astros keep up their recent winning ways? I break it all down in my MLB picks and predictions for Cubs vs. Astros below.

Cubs vs Astros odds

Cubs vs Astros predictions

The Chicago Cubs were belted by the Twins in the past two outings, as Minnesota outscored Chicago by a wide 27-4 margin.

Chicago turns to Jameson Taillon, who is winless in five starts so far this season. However, he's been decent in his two outings away from home. While the sample size is still rather small, he has a respectable 3.38 ERA and .172 opponent batting average across eight innings in two outings to date.

The Houston Astros will counter with Framber Valdez, and the southpaw hopes the offense can finally produce for him. Houston’s offense has cobbled together just nine total runs in his five starts at Minute Maid Park this season for an average of just 1.8 runs per game. He is 0-4 in those 5 starts despite an impressive 2.32 ERA.

While the Cubs did get blown out in the previous two games in Minnesota, it won in Game 1. That’s a theme lately, as Chicago is an impressive 16-5 in 21 series openers dating back to last season.

In addition, Chicago has been a very impressive 9-4 in the past 13 interleague games overall.

Houston has won four of the past five games, but for whatever reason, it tends to struggle against losing teams. The Astros are just 1-4 in the past five games against teams with a losing overall record.

Roll the dice on the Cubs, as the offense for the Astros just tends to seize up when supporting Valdez. Plus, I never like to roll with the public, and bettors are backing the Astros are nearly a 3-to-1 clip.

My best bet: Cubs moneyline (+170 at WynnBET)

Cubs vs Astros moneyline analysis

The Cubs have been comfortable in recent seasons in interleague play, particularly against the AL West.

Chicago has won nine of the past 13 games against American League teams while cashing at a 37-16 clip in the past 53 games against AL West foes.

In addition, the Cubs have handled left-handed starting pitchers well, going 13-4 in the past 17 games against southpaws and 23-8 in 31 interleague battles vs. lefties. The Cubs are 10-3 in the previous 13 road interleague games against LHPs, too.

The Astros have managed a 2-5 mark in the past seven against losing teams. They’re also a dismal 1-4 in the past five games at Minute Maid Park against right-handed starting pitchers and 1-4 in the past five interleague games against righties, too.

If you look to the run line, the Cubs are 6-3 in the past nine games as an underdog, while winning three of those games straight up. Take Chicago on the run line at +1.5 (-130 at WynnBET) if you can’t bring yourself to bet it straight up.

Cubs vs Astros Over/Under analysis

The Over has connected in five straight for the Cubs. The Cubs coughed up 27 runs in the past two games, and there's been an average of 12.6 runs per game during the previous five outings.

The Over is also 4-1 in the past five games for the Cubs against teams with a winning record, while going 8-2 in the past 10 on the road against winning teams.

For the Astros, it’s been all about the Under lately, going 5-0 in the past five overall. The Under is also 12-2 in the past 14 games against right-handed starters.

And, as mentioned, the Astros offense has dried up when backing Valdez, for whatever reason. The Over is 9-2 in the past 11 at home for Houston against losing teams.

With the trends all over the board, it’s best to focus simply on the moneyline or run line, and take a pass on the total.

Cubs vs Astros game info

Starting pitchers

Jameson Taillon (0-2, 6.41 ERA): The righty allowed four runs and five hits with two walks across just 2 2/3 innings last time out against the Cardinals on Tuesday. Taillon has allowed three homers in just 5 2/3 innings in two May starts and kept the ball in the yard in all three of his April outings across 14 innings.

Framber Valdez (3-4, 2.38 ERA): The southpaw has posted seven consecutive quality starts, and he hasn’t issued a walk in three of his past four outings. Valdez also recorded a season-high 12 strikeouts against the Angels in his most recent start. However, he is winless in four decisions across five home starts in 2023.

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The Over is 5-0 in Chicago's last five games. Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Astros

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