Dodgers vs. Cubs Odds & Betting Predictions - March 18, 2025

🔑 Cubs ML +124 (FanDuel) 2u Dodgers will be dealing with some WS hangover. Their lineup is not fully healthy and I don’t expect Yoshi to go deep in this game. Like the value we get here with Chicago and their revamped lineup with Tucker in it. BASEBALL IS BACK

#BQ

Imanaga went under 2.5 earned runs in 21/29 starts last season (72.4%) although I understand this isn’t any ordinary offense he’s facing today. Have him projected at 2.5 earned runs here so feels like a coin flip, but think the biggest factor for me in being willing to play it at these odds is I don’t expect a long leash. Thinking he likely goes 5 innings max here as he’s still ramping up from Spring Training. Dodgers don’t strike out much so that’s a concern, but Imanaga has elite control that limits walks and Dodgers will be without Betts.

Just like last season, I'll be fading the pitchers in this opening international series. The Dodgers and Padres approached the 2024 games similarly to Spring Training, limiting starting pitchers and using a steady stream of relievers. Michael King actually came out of the bullpen and earned the win in the second game. Imanaga got up to 75 pitches in his final Spring Training outing. I'm expecting him to max out at 75-80 pitches in this start. The Cubs have additional incentive to be cautious with Imanaga after there were reports about his velocity being down in Spring Training. The results certainly showed it, as he allowed 7 ERs in 11 IP, including 3 HRs. The Dodgers were the 3rd-toughest strikeout matchup for LHP last season. They were 1 of 4 teams with a sub-20% K% vs. LHP. The Dodgers will have Tommy Edman for a full season, giving them another low-strikeout bat in the lineup. Mookie Betts will miss this game, but they still have Miguel Rojas and Kike Hernandez on hand as low-strikeout options to replace him.

Dodgers roll into 2025 with a loaded roster – Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Snell anchor an elite rotation. Their offense ranked 2nd in runs, 3rd in HRs last year, and resigned Teoscar Hernandez. But they’ll be without Mookie Betts, and the bullpen is missing Graterol. Could be a tighter game than expected. Cubs' pitching quietly elite – 3rd in NL ERA last season. Imanaga was a revelation as a rookie: 15-3, 2.91 ERA, 174 Ks. He held the Dodgers in check last year, including Ohtani (0-for-5). They added closer Ryan Pressly to fix bullpen issues, plus Kyle Tucker to boost an offense that needed more punch. Lineup deeper, pitching strong. Cubs won 4 of 6 vs. Dodgers last year. Yamamoto was solid as a rookie but had limited exposure to this new-look Cubs lineup. With LA down Betts and still figuring out bullpen roles, Cubs can keep this tight.

In Japan? Ya go ahead and sign me up

Caesars line

To +465

Betts seemingly out for both games. Bumping Cubs G1 up