San Diego Padres vs Chicago Cubs Prediction 6/29/2026 Today’s MLB Picks

The San Diego Padres and the Chicago Cubs will meet on Monday evening in the first game of a three‑game National League series at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois.

San Diego Padres Betting Preview

The San Diego Padres enter Monday’s contest with a 43–39 overall record (2nd in the National League West) and a respectable 20–18 mark on the road. The Padres offense has been inconsistent this season. San Diego has compiled 321 runs scored (30th in MLB), 118 doubles, 84 home runs and a .221 team batting average which ranks an abysmal 30th in Major League Baseball.

The Padres arrive at tonight’s game in below average form. San Diego has lost two consecutive games, including a 15–3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers two days ago.

San Diego will turn to left hander JP Sears in this contest. In one start made this season, Sears has compiled a 1–0 win‑loss record, a 3.18 ERA, a 1.24 WHIP and 5 strikeouts, while allowing 5 hits and 2 walks in 5.2 innings pitched.

Shifting our focus to the Padres offense, the San Diego Padres lineup features outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. and third baseman Manny Machado. Fernando Tatis Jr. has compiled a .283 batting average, 3 home runs, 30 walks, 30 RBIs, 19 stolen bases and a .713 OPS. Manny Machado has tallied 15 home runs, 36 walks, 15 doubles, 44 RBIs and a .665 OPS.                                                                                                                    

Chicago Cubs Betting Preview

The Chicago Cubs enter Monday night’s matchup with a 46–38 overall record (2nd in the National League Central) and a 23–17 mark at home. Chicago arrives at this contest playing quality baseball. The Cubs have won six of the team’s last seven games played this season, including a thrilling 4–3 victory over the New York Mets earlier this week.

Chicago will start left hander Shota Imanaga in tonight’s game. In sixteen starts made in 2026, Imanaga has compiled a 5–6 record, a 4.40 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP (16th in MLB) and 88 strikeouts, while allowing 74 hits and 23 walks in 92 innings pitched. Shota Imanaga has pitched well recently, allowing one or fewer earned runs in two of his last three starts made this season.

The Chicago Cubs lineup features outfielders Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ. Pete Crow-Armstrong has tallied a .278 batting average, 17 home runs (20th in MLB), 36 walks, 45 RBIs and an .868 OPS. Ian Happ has compiled a .224 batting average, 17 home runs (20th in MLB), 41 RBIs, 46 walks and a .792 OPS.                                         

Why the San Diego Padres will win.

• Offensive upside. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado lead the San Diego Padres lineup.

• Ability to win on the road. The San Diego Padres have amassed a 20-18 road record in 2026.

• Motivation factor. San Diego arrives at this contest on the heels of a two-game losing streak.   

Why the Chicago Cubs will win.

• Starting pitching advantage. In sixteen starts made in 2026, Shota Imanaga has compiled a 5–6 record, a 4.40 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP (16th in MLB) and 88 strikeouts in 92 innings pitched.

• Home field edge. Chicago has played competitive baseball (23-17) at Wrigley Field this season.

• Offensive production. Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ provide a strong core to the Chicago Cubs lineup.

San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction

In my opinion, this matchup favors the Chicago Cubs. Why? Chicago starting pitcher Shota Imanaga has pitched at a high level recently, allowing one or fewer earned runs in two of his last three starts made this season. The Cubs arrive at this contest in good form (won six of last seven games) and have played quality baseball at home. With that said, Chicago is the side to be on in this one. I am backing the Chicago Cubs on the moneyline in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Chicago Cubs ML