The Kansas City Royals are back at it with the Chicago Cubs for an afternoon clash at Wrigley Field.
My Royals vs Cubs predictions will focus on Colin Rea, who has been stellar for Chicago lately on the hill.
Read more in my MLB picks for Wednesday, July 23.
Royals vs Cubs prediction
My Royals vs Cubs best bet: Colin Rea Under 2.5 earned runs (+110 at BetMGM)
Matthew Boyd threw a gem on Tuesday, as I expected, and the Chicago Cubs will be confident with Colin Rea taking the mound today as well.
The 35-year-old is having a nice season in the Windy City, going 8-3 with a 3.80 ERA in 20 appearances, including 16 starts. He’s struck out 70 in 97 innings of work while walking just 27.
Rea has been in top form over the last month. In July alone, he owns a 1.45 ERA across three outings, cashing the Under in earned runs allowed in all of them. He’s only surrendered one earned run in that span.
He’s also hit the Under in earned runs given up in three of his previous four starts at Wrigley. Rea can do no wrong right now, and he’s had success against the Kansas City Royals in the past. They’re hitting just .250 against the righty across 44 at-bats.
Rea will follow Boyd’s lead and bring his best this afternoon.
Royals vs Cubs same-game parlay (SGP)
Colin Rea Under 2.5 earned runs
Seth Lugo Over 4.5 strikeouts
Pete Crow-Armstrong Over 1.5 total bases
The Royals also send one of their best to the hill here in Seth Lugo. While he’s been involved in a lot of trade rumors, the veteran is certainly doing all he can to help K.C. be competitive.
Lugo has cashed the Over in punchouts in six consecutive starts. To be honest, that’s all the evidence you need for this part of the SGP. His total is sitting at just 4.5, so there’s a high chance he hits the five-strikeout mark again. He also has 11 Ks in 63 ABs against this iteration of the Cubbies.
Pete Crow-Armstrong is turning into a superstar out in the Windy City. The 22-year-old just made the All-Star Game and continues to be one of the Cubs’ best all-around players.
PCA is batting .308 in July, cashing the Over 1.5 total bases in five straight. Crow-Armstrong had a pair of multi-hit games against the Boston Red Sox over the weekend before finishing 1-for-4 on Tuesday with a double against the Royals.
Royals vs Cubs odds
Royals vs Cubs live odds
Royals vs Cubs opening odds
- Moneyline: Kansas City +125 | Chicago -150
- Run line: Kansas City +1.5 (-170) | Chicago -1.5 (+140)
- Over/Under: Over 10.5 | Under 10.5
Royals vs Cubs trend
The Chicago Cubs have hit the moneyline in 58 of their last 95 games (+13.85 Units / 10% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Royals vs Cubs.
How to watch Royals vs Cubs and game info
| Location | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Wednesday, 7-23-2025 |
| First pitch | 2:20 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSNKC, MARQ |
| Royals starting pitcher | Seth Lugo (6-5, 2.94 ERA) |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Colin Rea (8-3, 3.80 ERA) |
Royals vs Cubs latest injuries
Royals vs Cubs weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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