Braves vs Cubs Prediction 9/16/2026 Today’s MLB Picks

In this article we will formulate a Braves vs Cubs prediction for this MLB game on Wednesday, September 16th at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup. 

Atlanta Braves Betting Preview

The Atlanta Braves are 89-63 this season after they split the first two games by scores of 3-7 and 6-3. In game two, Atlanta trailed 3-0 in the fourth inning, but they scored the last six runs to secure the win. The Braves recorded nine hits and they committed one error in the game, while they were led by Baldwin, who went 2-5 with one home run and two RBIs. Perez allowed five hits and two earned runs over 6.0 innings for the win, while Iglesias picked up the save. Prior to this series, Atlanta won two out of three against the Phillies, but lost two out of three against the Rays before that. 

This season, Atlanta has a 3.61 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP and a .233 opponent batting average, while they have scored 702 runs with a .248 batting average and a .311 on base percentage. Matt Olson has led the Braves with 39 home runs and 85 RBIs, while Drake Baldwin has added 24 home runs and 77 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Atlanta is JR Ritchie, who is 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP over 58.0 innings pitched this season. 

Chicago Cubs Betting Preview

The Chicago Cubs are 84-68 this year after they lost game two by a score of 3-6 on Tuesday night. Chicago led 3-0 in the fourth inning, but they went scoreless over the last five innings for the loss. The Cubs recorded five hits in the game and they were led by Ramirez, who went 1-4 with one RBI. Gausman allowed five hits and two earned runs over 5.2 innings, while Webb picked up the loss in relief. Prior to this series, Chicago won two out of three against the Pirates, but lost all three against the Brewers before that. 

This season, Chicago has a 4.19 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP and a .245 opponent batting average, while they have scored 809 runs with a .251 batting average and a .339 on base percentage. Pete Crow-Armstrong has led the Cubs with 42 home runs and 102 RBIs, while Dansby Swanson has added 18 home runs and 66 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Chicago is Shota Imanaga, who is 10-10 with a 3.88 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP over 162.1 innings pitched this year. 

Why the Chicago Cubs will win

• The Cubs have won eight of their last nine night games against NL East opponents.
• The Braves have lost six of their last seven road games following a road win.
• The Cubs have covered the run line in seven of their last eight night games at Wrigley Field following a loss.
• The Braves have failed to cover the run line in six of their last seven night games against the Cubs at Wrigley Field following a win.
• The Cubs have led after 3 innings in each of their last five games at Wrigley Field against opponents that held a winning record.
• The Braves have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last four games at Wrigley Field against opponents that held a winning record.

Why the Atlanta Braves will win

• The Braves have won each of their last five Wednesday night games as underdogs against NL opponents.
• The Cubs have lost six of their last eight games after playing the previous day.
• The Braves have covered the run line in eight of their last nine games as road underdogs against NL Central opponents following a road win.
• The Cubs have failed to cover the run line in five of their last six games as home favorites after playing the previous day.

Total Runs Facts

• Each of the Braves’ last five games against NL opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
• Each of the Cubs’ last four games against NL East opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
• There has been no run scored during the first inning in each of the Cubs’ last seven games against NL East opponents.
• There has been no run scored during the first inning in eight of the Braves’ last nine games at Wrigley Field.

Chicago Cubs Player Prop Facts

• Seiya Suzuki has hit a home run in three of the Cubs’ last five home games against NL East opponents.
• Matt Shaw has recorded at least one hit in each of his last six appearances with the Cubs as home favorites against NL East opponents.
• Shota Imanaga has recorded a win in three of his last four appearances with the Cubs as home favorites against NL East opponents.

Atlanta Braves Player Prop Facts

• Ozzie Albies has hit a home run in three of the Braves’ last four games at Wrigley Field.
• Drake Baldwin has recorded at least one hit in each of the Braves’ last 17 night games against opponents that held a winning record.
• Ian Ritchie has recorded four or more strikeouts in eight of his nine previous appearances in night games.

Braves vs Cubs Prediction 

Atlanta was able to even the series at one with a comeback win on Tuesday night and they have scored 6+ runs in three of their last five games. The Braves are 38-36 on the road this year, while the Cubs are 44-33 at home. Chicago has won three of their last five games and they have allowed three or fewer in all three wins. The Cubs are starting Imanaga, who has allowed two earned runs or fewer in three of his last four starts, while Ritchie has allowed five earned runs in his last 7.2 innings. Take the Cubs here.

David Racey's Pick: Cubs ML