The Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers clash tonight at Globe Life Field for the start of a three-game series.
My Cubs vs. Rangers predictions are targeting a Chicago victory as they face the struggling Kumar Rocker.
Read more for my MLB picks for Friday, May 8.
Who will win Cubs vs Rangers today: Cubs moneyline (-133 at Polymarket)
The Chicago Cubs are arguably the hottest team in baseball right now, having won nine straight games. They just swept the Cincinnati Reds, scoring 18 runs in the series.
The Cubbies' offense is firing on all cylinders, ranking in the top five in most categories. Most notably, they're second in runs with 5.5 per game.
Chicago will face Kumar Rocker tonight, who has a 4.71 ERA. He's pitched better at home, but Rocker has been poor lately. Although the righty has never faced the Cubs, the hosts are raking at the moment, and he tends to leave a lot of pitches in the zone.
Also, Ben Brown is on the bump for Chicago, and although this is his first start, he has a 2.10 ERA across 12 relief appearances. Chicago's bullpen also has a 3.90 ERA, and they will likely eat up innings here after Brown is the opener.
COVERS INTEL: Opponents are hitting .278 against Rocker, and he's given up seven earned runs across his last two starts. 
Cubs vs Rangers Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 runs (-110)
Rocker is prone to hard contact, while the Cubbies' bullpen can be vulnerable at times. Globe Life is hitter-friendly when the roof is closed, too.
That being said, I believe most of the offense in the series opener will come from the Cubbies, who cannot be stopped right now.
Chicago is averaging 5.57 runs per game in May, and they've also hit the Over in five of their seven games this month. Texas has also given up 24 runs across its last four games alone.
- ML/RL bets: 9-11, -5.45 units
- Over/Under bets: 12-8, +2.35 units
Cubs vs Rangers odds
- Moneyline: Cubs -136 | Rangers +116
- Run line: Cubs -1.5 (+120) | Rangers +1.5 (-140)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 runs (-110) | Under 8.5 runs (-110)
Cubs vs Rangers trend
The Chicago Cubs have hit the Moneyline in 20 of their last 24 games (+16.75 Units / 52% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Rangers.
How to watch Cubs vs Rangers and game info
| Location | Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX |
| Date | Friday, May 8, 2026 |
| First pitch | 8:05 p.m. ET |
| TV | CW33, Marquee |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Ben Brown (1-1, 2.10 ERA) |
| Rangers starting pitcher | Jack Leiter (1-3, 5.45 ERA) |
Cubs vs Rangers latest injuries
Cubs vs Rangers weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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.
