Chicago Cubs vs Arizona Diamondbacks Prediction 8/24/2026 Today’s MLB Picks

The Chicago Cubs and the Arizona Diamondbacks will meet on Monday night in the opening game of a three‑game National League series at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.

Chicago Cubs Betting Preview

The Chicago Cubs enter Monday’s contest with a 75–56 overall record (2nd in the National League standings) and a robust 37–29 mark on the road. The Cubs offense has been outstanding this season. Chicago has compiled 684 runs scored (1st in MLB), 219 doubles (7th in MLB), a .250 team batting average and 174 home runs which ranks third in Major League Baseball.

The Cubs arrive at today’s game in below average form. Chicago has lost three of the team’s last four games played this season, including a 3–0 shutout loss to the Chicago White Sox earlier this week.

Chicago will turn to right hander Kevin Gausman in this game. In 26 starts made in 2026, Gausman has compiled a 6–11 win‑loss record, a 4.58 ERA, a 1.30 WHIP and 143 strikeouts (25th in MLB) in 142 innings pitched. Kevin Gausman arrives at this contest in subpar form, allowing four or more earned runs in three of his last five starts made this season. Gausman will look to rebound from his recent struggles on the mound in tomorrow’s matchup with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Cubs lineup features outfielders Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ. Pete Crow-Armstrong has tallied a .281 batting average, 33 home runs (7th in MLB), 70 walks, 83 RBIs and a .938 OPS which ranks 13th in Major League Baseball. Ian Happ has amassed 22 home runs, 57 RBIs, 68 walks and 23 doubles.                                   

Arizona Diamondbacks Betting Preview

The Arizona Diamondbacks enter Monday night’s matchup with a 69–62 overall record (3rd in the National League West) and a 38–28 mark at home. Arizona has played competitive baseball recently, winning three of the team’s last four games, including a 7–6 victory over the Boston Red Sox four days ago.

The Diamondbacks will start right hander Merrill Kelly in tomorrow’s game. In 23 starts made this season, Kelly has compiled an 8–11 win‑loss record, a 5.37 ERA, a 1.52 WHIP, and 84 strikeouts across 129 innings pitched. Kelly has struggled recently, allowing six earned runs or more in two of his last three starts made in 2026.  

 Shifting our focus to the Arizona offense, the Diamondbacks lineup features Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte. Corbin Carroll enters this contest with a .253 batting average, 18 home runs, 58 RBIs and an .842 OPS. Ketel Marte has tallied 21 home runs, 67 RBIs and a .760 OPS.    

Why the Chicago Cubs will win.

 • Offensive firepower. Pete Crow‑Armstrong and Ian Happ have been key contributors for the Chicago Cubs lineup.

• Starting pitching. In 26 starts made in 2026, Kevin Gausman has compiled a 6–11 win‑loss record, a 4.58 ERA, a 1.30 WHIP and 143 strikeouts (25th in MLB) in 142 innings pitched.

• Enhanced motivation. The Chicago Cubs arrive at this contest in below average overall form, losing three of the team’s last four games played this season. 

Why the Arizona Diamondbacks will win.

• Home field edge. The Arizona Diamondbacks have played competitive baseball (38–28) at Chase Field this season.

• Offensive balance. Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll lead the Arizona Diamondbacks lineup.

• Current form. The Arizona Diamondbacks have won three of the team’s last four games.    

Chicago Cubs vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Prediction

In my view, this matchup favors the Chicago Cubs. Why? Chicago has played exceptional baseball away from, amassing a 37-29 win-loss road record. Additionally, Arizona starting pitcher Merrill Kelly has struggled recently, allowing six earned runs or more in two of his last three starts made in 2026, which is concerning when facing a formidable Chicago Cubs lineup. With that said, I am backing the Chicago Cubs on the moneyline in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Chicago White Sox ML