The reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers will face the Chicago Cubs in the latest edition of the MLB World Tour, with the two clubs opening the 2025 regular season at the Tokyo Dome on Tuesday, March 18.
A pair of Japanese stars will toe the rubber for the two clubs, and Chicago lefty Shota Imanaga headlines my top Dodgers vs. Cubs predictions and MLB picks.
Dodgers vs Cubs prediction
My Dodgers vs Cubs best bet: Shota Imanaga Under 4.5 strikeouts (+105 at bet365)
My analysis
While Chicago Cubs lefty Shota Imanaga recorded 13 strikeouts across 11 innings this spring, the proficiency is misleading because six punchouts came across just 2 2/2 frames during his debut in late February.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were also a force against southpaws last season with a top-ranked 121 wRC+ and third-ranked .337 OBP while sporting the third-lowest strikeout percentage. It’s also a righty-heavy Opening Day lineup for the Dodgers, with superstars Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman the only left-handed bats penciled in.
Imanaga dipped from 9.82 strikeouts per nine innings and a 28.4 K% against left-handed hitters to 8.82 and 24.2% marks against righties last season, too.
I also expect this to be an abbreviated start for the Japanese lefty, which is reinforced by his outs prop trading at 14.5. Additionally, Imanaga only threw 75 pitches across 4 1/3 frames in his final spring start against the Guardians on March 10.
Lastly, Imanaga failed to record five strikeouts in both starts against the Dodgers last season with seven total across 11 innings.
Dodgers vs Cubs same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 7.5
Shota Imanaga Under 4.5 strikeouts
Kyle Tucker 1+ hits + runs + RBI
As discussed, the Dodgers mash against lefties, and they've been an Over machine to the tune of +24.85 units across their past 117 games. This Cubs lineup has a perfect blend of proven producers and up-and-coming talents, and I think this total is a gift at 7.5.
The Chicago offense trailed well behind Los Angeles across the board in 2024, but the North Siders still were an above-average offense in wRC+ and improved with the addition of Kyle Tucker during the offseason. Tucker is set to bat third on Opening Day, and he’s posted an elite 150 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers the past three seasons.
There's also a 30% profit boost available for this SGP at bet365.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Dodgers vs Cubs odds
Dodgers vs Cubs live odds
Dodgers vs Cubs opening odds
- Moneyline: Los Angeles -165 | Chicago +140
- Run line: Los Angeles -1.5 (+100) | Chicago +1.5 (-120)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Dodgers vs Cubs trend
The Dodgers have cashed the Over in 71 of their last 117 games (+26.85 units / 21% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Dodgers vs. Cubs.
How to watch Dodgers vs Cubs and game info
| Location | Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, JP |
| Date | Tuesday, 3-18-2025 |
| First pitch | 6:10 a.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
| Dodgers starting pitcher | Yoshinobu Yamamoto (2024 stats: 7-2, 3.00 ERA) |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Shota Imanaga (2024 stats: 15-3, 2.91 ERA) |
Dodgers vs Cubs latest injuries
Dodgers vs Cubs weather
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
