Best MLB Bets Today: Tough Matchups Today for Windy City Teams

Chicago’s two teams have been trending in very different directions this season, and both will be in action today. The NL Central-favorite Cubs will be looking to stay hot against the Diamondbacks today, while the White Sox will be looking to snap a four-game losing streak against the AL Central rival Royals.

Below, we will share why we are betting against both teams that call the Windy City home. The odds for each bet are courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. If you want to wager on these games and have not used BetMGM before, use promo code WSNMGM to sign up and get a $1,500 First Bet Offer*.

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Best MLB Bets Today: Cubs vs. Diamondbacks (9:40 PM EST)

Diamondbacks -1.5 (+140 at BetMGM Sportsbook)

This is one of the best matchups from today’s slate of games, but we see the Diamondbacks walking away with a lopsided win for a few reasons. First, Arizona has finally found their groove. The team stumbled out of the gates with a 4-7 start but have now won four of their previous five games. The offense has continued to produce, and their pitching is finally turning a corner, making them look like a genuine threat to the Dodgers in the NL West. 

The Diamondbacks have some strong arms, but their most significant strength is their lineup. Arizona has scored the fourth-most runs (84) in the league, and they’ll have a great chance to add to that with young Ben Brown (0-0, 6.10 ERA). The 24-year-old prospect has made three starts this season with mixed results. The Rangers shelled him in his first start of the year, but he was better against the Padres and Rockies. However, he has yet to make it through a full five innings. That means he likely won’t last long tonight, even if he pitches well. Chicago’s bullpen has been an issue, which the D-backs can capitalize on.

Arizona will have veteran Merrill Kelly (2-0, 2.29 ERA) making the start tonight. The 35-year-old is coming off the best season of his career, and that momentum has carried over into 2024. He has registered a quality start in all three of his games so far, posting a very impressive 0.92 WHIP. The Cubs have a very good lineup but will have their hands full with Kelly. 

Bet on Diamondbacks at BetMGM   

Best MLB Bets Today: Royals vs. White Sox (7:40 PM EST)

Royals -1.5 (-110 at BetMGM Sportsbook)

This is one of the easiest bets of the day to make. On one side is a 10-6 Royals team that has won eight of their previous ten games. On the other is a White Sox team that has lost nine of their last ten. While we don’t know if the Royals can keep up their winning ways, it has been clear they are a far better team than the pride of South Chicago. Combine that with their advantage on the mound, and you can see why we are locking in this run line.

Kansas City will have veteran Seth Lugo (2-0, 1.45 ERA) on the bump against the White Sox. He served as a full-time starter for the first time in his career last season and delivered an 8-7 record with a 3.57 ERA. That success has continued this season, going 2-0 with a 1.45 ERA across three starts. One of those wins came against the White Sox, with Lugo allowing one run across 6 ⅔ innings. The righty has delivered a quality start in each appearance this season, and that trend will continue tonight.

Erick Fedde (0-0, 4.30 ERA) will be getting the start for the White Sox. The former National has made three starts, including one against the Royals. He held Kansas City to one run on six hits and two walks across five innings. We don’t like his chances to duplicate that performance today, primarily due to his struggles over his other two starts this season. Fedde allows too many baserunners (1.43 WHIP), and he’ll pay for it against Bobby Witt Jr and the Ryals tonight.

Bet on Royals at BetMGM   

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