The Chicago Cubs continue to score runs in bunches, and I don’t expect that to change as they pick on some bottom feeders.
The Cubbies open a three-game set with the Miami Marlins just a week after they faced off at Wrigley Field. Chicago took two of three in that series, and my Cubs vs. Marlins predictions like the road team to get off to a good start tonight as Ben Brown toes the rubber against Edward Cabrerra.
Check out my MLB picks for the National League matchup showdown, with first pitch set to go at 6:40 pm ET at loanDepot Park on Monday, May 19.
Cubs vs Marlins prediction
My Cubs vs Marlins best bet: Cubs -0.5 First Five Innings (-130 at Caesars)
The Chicago Cubs have arguably had the most productive offense in baseball through the first two months of the season.
The Cubs rank fourth in OPS and wRC+, and ninth in batting average and have plated 270 runs. Only the Los Angeles Dodgers have scored more and I think the scoring continues tonight.
That’s in part because the Miami Marlins hand the ball to Edward Cabrera. While he’s put together solid back-to-back outings, it’s been a tough season for the right-hander. Cabrera is pitching to a 4.61 expected ERA while surrendering a .270 expected batting average, both of which rank in the Bottom 26% among MLB pitchers.
Cabrera just doesn’t have great swing-and-miss stuff, resulting in a lot of hard contact, which doesn’t exactly play well against this Cubs lineup.
Chicago counters Cabrera with a young right-hander of their own in Ben Brown. It was also a bit of a rocky start to the season for Brown, but the 25-year-old has settled in over his last few outings.
Brown has a 2.76 ERA while limiting opponents to a .238 batting average and striking out a big 29.2% of batters faced over his last three starts. That includes holding this same Marlins team to two runs on five hits while striking out six in 5 1/3 innings just last week.
Miami is ranked 19th in OPS and 24th in wRC+ while having the seventh-highest strikeout rate when facing right-handed pitching this season.
I like the Cubs to jump on Cabrera early and hold on to it through five innings with Brown holding court. So, I'm backing Chicago on the five-inning run line.
Caesars QuickPick: Our Cubs vs Marlins same-game parlay (SGP)
Cubs -1.5
Kyle Tucker Over 0.5 RBI
Edward Cabrera Under 4.5 strikeouts
Of course, Kyle Tucker is going to be responsible for some of the Cubbies scoring. Tucker is the anchor of this Cubs’ lineup and has slugged 10 home runs while driving in 33 runs. I like him to drive in another tonight.
Let’s round this same-game parlay out with Cabrera to stay below his strikeouts number of 4.5. With a high walk rate, and averaging 87 pitches per start, the Marlins right-hander can run up his pitch count quickly. And it could happen even quicker against this solid Cubs lineup.
Cabrera has stayed Under this number in his last three starts, I think he makes it four in a row tonight
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Cubs vs Marlins odds
Cubs vs Marlins live odds
Cubs vs Marlins opening odds
- Moneyline: Chicago -170 | Miami +145
- Run line: Chicago -1.5 (-115) | Miami +1.5 (-105)
- Over/Under: Over 9.0 | Under 9.0
Odds courtesy of Caesars.
Cubs vs Marlins trend
Cubs have hit the 1st Five Innings (F5) Run Line in 16 of their last 21 away games for +10.05 Units and a 40% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Marlins.
How to watch Cubs vs Marlins and game info
| Location | loanDepot Park, Miami, FL |
| Date | Monday, 5-19-2025 |
| First pitch | 6:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | MARQ, FDSNFL |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Ben Brown (3-3, 4.75 ERA) |
| Marlins starting pitcher | Edward Cabrera (0-1, 5.52 ERA) |
Cubs vs Marlins latest injuries
Cubs vs Marlins weather
Not intended for use in MA.
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