Cubs vs Guardians Odds, Prediction, Picks & Expert Analysis

A rematch series of the 2016 Fall Classic – has it really been that long? – concludes on Wednesday night when the Chicago Cubs visit the Cleveland Guardians, who are short favorites on the MLB odds with new addition Alex Cobb scheduled on the mound.

Chicago Cubs at Cleveland: 2024 MLB Expert Analysis

Chicago Cubs

Cubs rookie Pete Crow-Armstrong leads MLB rookies and all Cubs hitters with six triples this season. He is tied for the ninth-most triples in the majors and fifth in the N.L. Since July 30, the Cubs are tied with the Diamondbacks for the most triples in the majors. Dating back to May 27, the Cubs lead all MLB teams with an 87.0% stolen base percentage. Crow-Armstrong is 23-for-23 in stolen base attempts, ranking third among MLB rookies in steals.

Dansby Swanson

Shortstop Swanson isn’t having a very good year at the plate, but has a 79-game errorless streak. Swanson’s streak began on May 1, and since that date, there have only been two infielders in the majors to not commit an error. Swanson is in the 99th percentile in Outs Above Average (OAA) with 14.

Jameson Taillon on the Hill

It’s veteran Taillon on the mound for the Cubs, who did shop him around last month’s trade deadline and could again this winter. Taillon (8-6, 3.50 ERA) picked up the win last Friday, allowing up five runs on nine hits over five innings in a 7-6 victory over the White Sox. He struck out four without walking a batter.

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Cleveland Guardians

Cleveland has gotten an offensive boost of late from rookie outfielder Jhonkensy Noel. Nicknamed “Big Christmas,” he became the first Cleveland player with eight or more homers in his first 31 career games since Russell Branyan (1998-2000).

Sam Hentges

The Guardians have MLB’s best bullpen, but might be without a fairly important piece out there the rest of the season in lefty Hentges. He has been out since July 12 with left shoulder inflammation. Hentges began his rehab assignment, but once he started to experience discomfort in the area again, he stopped pitching in games and is now seeking a second opinion regarding how to proceed. He has 3.04 ERA over 23 2/3 innings (25 appearances) this year.

Cleveland has 43 games this season in which the bullpen threw at least three scoreless innings, by far the most in the majors. Closer Emmanuel Clase leads MLB with a 0.68 ERA and the AL with 36 saves.

Alex Cobb on the Mound

Cobb generated just three swings and misses on 82 pitches on the night, posting a CSW of 23 percent. His sinker averaged 94.5 mph in the contest, which was down 0.8 mph from where he saw him during the 2023 season.

Cobb is 0-1 with a 1.50 ERA in two career starts vs. the Cubs.

Bet Cubs at Guardians MLB Odds

Where: Progressive Field
Pitchers (away/home): Jameson Taillon/Alex Cobb
TV: MLB Extra Innings
Stream/game day audio: https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/