The Chicago Cubs host the Texas Rangers in the second outing of this three-game series at Wrigley Field.
MLB odds list Chicago as a -165 favorite, while the total sits at 7.5, and my Rangers vs. Cubs predictions target the total.
Read on for my MLB picks on Tuesday, April 8, with first pitch scheduled for 7:40 p.m. ET at Wrigley Field.
Rangers vs Cubs prediction
My Rangers vs Cubs best bet: Over 7.5 (-120 at bet365)
Bettors everywhere can rejoice, one of the greatest traditions in all of professional sports returns today: Fade Patrick Corbin Day.
Corbin has returned to Major League Baseball after signing a minor-league deal with the Texas Rangers and an injury to Jack Leiter paved the way for him to land on the big-league roster. Those who have bet on baseball over the past four years know that automatically means we’ll look to either back the opposing team or take the Over.
In this case, we’re betting the over.
Corbin has failed to post an ERA lower than 5.20 in each of the past four years. He has also ranked in the eighth percentile or lower in expected batting average (xBA), expected slugging percentage (xSLG), and expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA) during each of those seasons.
Simply put, there hasn’t been a worse pitcher in baseball over that stretch.
Fortunately for the Rangers, right-hander Jameson Taillon is scheduled to start for the Chicago Cubs. Taillon has struggled in 2025, posting a 6.97 ERA and 1.55 WHIP through two starts. His underlying metrics suggest that more trouble lies ahead.
Entering this matchup, Taillon ranks in the bottom third of the league in expected ERA (xERA), xBA, and barrel rate.
Rangers vs Cubs same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 7.5
Cubs team total Over 6.5
Cubs -1.5
Not only are we backing this game to go over 7.5 total runs, but we’re also targeting Chicago to score at least seven of them. The Cubs’ offense has been tremendous this season, scoring seven or more runs in six of their past seven games.
Meanwhile, we need to take advantage of any opportunity to fade Corbin while we still can. Opposing teams have scored at least seven runs in three of Corbin’s past four starts, including the Cubs.
If we’re backing Chicago to score seven or more runs, there’s a strong chance it wins this game by at least a two-run margin, even with Taillon toeing the opposite rubber.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Rangers vs Cubs odds
Rangers vs Cubs live odds
Rangers vs Cubs opening odds
- Moneyline: Texas +125 | Chicago -150
- Run line: Texas +1.5 (-160) | Chicago -1.5 (+135)
- Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-120) | Under 7.5 (+100)
Rangers vs Cubs trend
There have been eight or more total runs scored in eight of Chicago’s past 11 games. Find more MLB betting trends for Rangers vs. Cubs.
How to watch Rangers vs Cubs and game info
| Location | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Tuesday, 4-8-2025 |
| First pitch | 7:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | RSN, Marquee |
| Rangers starting pitcher | Patrick Corbin (0-0, 0.00 ERA) |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Jameson Taillon (1-1, 6.97 ERA) |
Rangers vs Cubs latest injuries
Rangers vs Cubs weather
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