The Crosstown Classic begins tonight as the Chicago Cubs visit the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Shota Imanaga is having a dominant campaign, and my Cubs vs. White Sox predictions are banking on him keeping that trend going.
Read on for more in my MLB picks for Friday, July 25.
Cubs vs White Sox prediction
My Cubs vs White Sox best bet: Shota Imanaga Under 1.5 earned runs (+125 at BetMGM)
The Chicago Cubs are all-around a very good team, but credit needs to be given to the top end of their rotation.
Alongside Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga has been lights out. The second-year big leaguer out of Japan owns a 7-3 record and 2.40 ERA in 13 starts so far, with opponents hitting just .192.
While Imanaga did miss some time due to an injury, he hasn’t missed a beat since returning at the end of June. In fact, he’s cashed the Under in earned runs allowed in three of his five outings since coming back from the IL.
Last time out, the left-hander tossed seven scoreless frames against the Boston Red Sox, surrendering just five hits as well.
No matter the opponent, Imanaga is effective, and the Chicago White Sox aren’t exactly elite.
He’s also been even better on the road, compiling a 1.33 ERA. Imanaga will carve up the White Sox in the series opener.
Cubs vs White Sox same-game parlay (SGP)
Shota Imanaga Under 1.5 earned runs
Ian Happ Over 0.5 hits
Adrian Houser Over 2.5 earned runs
The Cubbies will face a familiar foe tonight in Adrian Houser, who used to pitch for the Brewers. Ian Happ is one hitter who has a track record of success against Houser.
He’s 4-for-14 lifetime with a pair of doubles and four RBI. Happ has cashed the Over in hits in four of his last six appearances.
Houser is actually having a nice season for the lowly White Sox. In 10 starts, he has a 1.89 ERA and 5-2 record. However, Houser cashed the Over in earned runs allowed in his most recent start, giving up three earned to the Pirates.
Although he hasn’t faced the Cubs this season yet, Houser had a 5.19 ERA versus Chicago in 2024 across two outings. Craig Counsell’s lineup is also hitting .284 against Houser in 67 at-bats.
Cubs vs White Sox odds
Cubs vs White Sox live odds
Cubs vs White Sox opening odds
- Moneyline: CHC -178 | CHW +159
- Run line: CHC -1.5 | CHW +1.5
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Cubs vs White Sox trend
The Cubs have hit the moneyline in 58 of their last 96 games (+12.15 Units / 9% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. White Sox.
How to watch Cubs vs White Sox and game info
| Location | Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Friday, 7-25-2025 |
| First pitch | 7:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | Marquee, CHSN |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Shota Imanaga (7-3, 2.40 ERA) |
| White Sox starting pitcher | Adrian Houser (5-2, 1.89 ERA) |
Cubs vs White Sox latest injuries
Cubs vs White Sox weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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