Both Texas and Chicago sport new-look rosters in 2023, and that should make for a fun three-game series starting on Friday when the Rangers hit Wrigley Field for a matinee tilt against the Cubbies.
Where does the betting edge lie for the first leg of this interleague battle? Find out by reading our free MLB picks and predictions for Rangers vs. Cubs on April 7.
Rangers vs Cubs odds
Rangers vs Cubs predictions
When Marcus Semien signed a massive seven-year contract with Texas last year, Rangers fans were expecting the same level of production that Semien had levied a year prior.
In 2021 with the Blue Jays, Semien put up career numbers and finished third in AL MVP voting, boasting an OPS+ of 131 with 45 home runs and 102 RBI. However, after successfully betting on himself with a one-year deal with Toronto, Semien fell flat with his new team in 2022.
The Rangers shortstop finished with a slash line of just .248/.304/.429 in his first season with Texas, including a disastrous first month where the former Silver Slugger held a batting average of just .157 following the first 21 games in April.
However, Semien started to show signs of his All-Star self near the tail end of the 2022 campaign, hitting .283 through the final 33 games of the season.
Friday's matchup against Chicago sets up perfectly for the veteran second baseman. In 13 career at-bats against Marcus Stroman, Semien is a career .538 hitter with seven hits off the Cubs ace.
With Semien hitting leadoff and followed by the ever-so-dangerous Corey Seager, the 32-year-old shortstop should be able to see pitches to hit and cash his total bases prop on Friday.
My best bet: Marcus Semien Over 1.5 total bases (+138)
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Rangers vs Cubs moneyline analysis
Expectations are high in the Lone Star State, following the Rangers' revamping their pitching staff and bringing in Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom.
Among the many offseason additions was veteran right-hander Nathan Eovaldi. However, the 33-year-old right-hander got off to a bit of a rocky start in his first start of the season with Texas, lasting just five innings and allowing three runs on six hits.
He could be in trouble on Friday when he faces an upstart Cubs offense that is coming off three straight games of plating at least seven runs.
Chicago is led by new shortstop Dansby Swanson, as the former Atlanta star is absolutely killing it so far on the North Side, slashing .500/.583/.600 to begin the season.
Meanwhile, Stroman is set to take the mound for Chicago and looked elite on Opening Day. The "Stro-Show" pitched six shutout innings against the Brewers, allowing just three hits and striking out eight batters in the process.
Stroman also dazzled during Spring Training, finishing with a 0.90 ERA through 10 innings of work. Despite my best bet projecting Semien to get the best of Stroman on Friday, my side play would ultimately back the Cubs' given the overall pitching edge.
Rangers vs Cubs Over/Under analysis
Although Wrigley Field is usually considered a hitter's park, that can change fast depending on how the wind is blowing off of Lake Michigan.
Considering the Cubs' productive offense to begin the season, I wouldn't feel necessarily comfortable backing the Under. However, trends certainly point towards a low-scoring outcome.
The Under is 7-0 in the Rangers' last seven road games when facing a right-handed starter, and is also 32-15-4 in the Cubs' last 51 home games.
Rangers vs Cubs game info
| Location: | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL |
| Date: | Friday, April 7, 2023 |
| First pitch: | 2:20 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Apple TV+ |
Rangers vs Cubs betting preview
Starting pitchers
Nathan Eovaldi (1-0, 5.40 ERA): Once an inconsistent project as a member of the Yankees, Eovaldi found his footing in Boston, boasting an ERA+ of 120 from 2020-2022 with the Red Sox. The right-hander's best season came in 2021 when he started 32 games and registered a 2.79 FIP, finishing fourth in AL Cy Young voting.
Marcus Stroman (1-0, 0.00 ERA): When Stroman is on his game, there are not many pitchers out there who are better. The 32-year-old possesses a unique spin rate and heavily relies on his sinker and slurve to produce an abundance of ground balls.
Latest injuries
Trend to know
Chicago is 5-0 in Stroman's last five starts on grass. Find more MLB betting trends for Rangers vs. Cubs
