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Mets vs. Cubs prediction, odds, line, time: 2026 MLB picks for Saturday, April 18 from advanced model
TL;DR
The New York Mets face the Chicago Cubs on April 18, 2026, with the Cubs favored at -112. The Mets are on a nine-game losing streak, while the Cubs have won four straight games.
Key points
- Mets are on a nine-game losing streak
- Cubs have won four straight games
- First pitch at 2:20 p.m. ET
- Cubs favored at -112 on the money line
- Over/under for total runs is 8.5
New York MetsChicago CubsFreddy PeraltaJameson Taillon
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A pair of National League expected contenders will meet on Saturday's MLB schedule as the New York Mets visit the Chicago Cubs. Chicago (10-9) won Friday's series opener, 12-4, to give the Cubs their fourth straight victory. New York (7-13) has now lost nine games in a row, which is its longest losing streak since dropping 11 straight in 2004. Freddy Peralta (1-1, 3.86 ERA) will take the mound for the Mets, and he'll be opposed by Jameson Taillon (0-1, 4.86) of the Cubs.
First pitch is at 2:20 p.m. ET from Wrigley Field in Chicago. New York went 4-2 versus the Cubs last season. The latest Cubs vs. Mets odds list Chicago as the -112 favorite on the money line (risk $112 to win $100). The over/under for total runs is 8.5. Before making any Mets vs. Cubs picks or MLB predictions, be sure to see the Cubs vs. Mets predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model.
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The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times. It was a profitable 35-29 on top-rated MLB money-line picks last season. It also excelled at making home run prop picks in 2025, returning nearly 30 units of profit. Anybody following its MLB betting picks at sportsbooks and on  could have seen strong returns.
Q&A
What are the odds for the Mets vs. Cubs game on April 18, 2026?
The Cubs are listed as the -112 favorite on the money line for the game.
What time does the Mets vs. Cubs game start on April 18, 2026?
The game is scheduled to start at 2:20 p.m. ET.
How have the Mets performed against the Cubs in recent matchups?
Last season, the Mets went 4-2 against the Cubs.
Who are the starting pitchers for the Mets and Cubs on April 18, 2026?
Freddy Peralta will pitch for the Mets, while Jameson Taillon will start for the Cubs.
