Atlanta Braves @ Chicago Cubs Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/2/2025 7:40 PM EDT

We have your Atlanta Braves @ Chicago Cubs prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Atlanta Braves hit the road to face the Chicago Cubs.

Atlanta Braves @ Chicago Cubs Pick

Best Moneyline Odds: Chicago Cubs -167 on BetRivers
Best Spread Odds: Chicago Cubs -1.0 (-118) on BetRivers
Best Total Odds: Under 8.5 (-110) on ESPN BET

Game Info

Date: 2025-09-02
Time: 7:40 PM ET
Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
TV: -

Atlanta Braves @ Chicago Cubs Preview

The Chicago Cubs (79-59) host the Atlanta Braves (62-76) at Wrigley Field for the second game of their series. The Cubs, currently second in the NL Central and leading the Wild Card race, are coming off a dramatic 7-6 comeback victory over the Braves on Monday. They boast a strong 42-25 home record and have won six of their last ten games. Their offense is potent, ranking fourth in slugging percentage (.430) and seventh in home runs (188) this season. Key hitters like Ian Happ and Carson Kelly, who were instrumental in Monday's win, are showing signs of breaking out. The Cubs' pitching staff holds a solid 3.88 ERA and 1.21 WHIP.

The Atlanta Braves, sitting fourth in the NL East, have struggled this season, particularly on the road with a 29-43 record. They've lost four of their last five games, including Monday's opener. While their offense has a respectable .321 on-base percentage (eighth in the league), their overall batting average is .244. Their pitching staff has a 4.39 ERA and 1.31 WHIP, and the bullpen has been a point of concern throughout the season, highlighted by the recent collapse in the series opener.

On the mound for the Cubs will be left-hander Shota Imanaga (8-6, 3.08 ERA, 0.93 WHIP). Imanaga has been exceptional, especially at home where he holds a 2.96 ERA. He enters this matchup in good form, with a 2.65 ERA across his last five starts, consistently pitching deep into games. For the Braves, left-hander Joey Wentz (5-4, 4.92 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) will get the start. Wentz is on his third MLB team this season and, despite a strong last outing against Miami, has shown inconsistency.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Historically, the Atlanta Braves have held an edge over the Chicago Cubs in recent matchups. The Braves have won seven of their last ten head-to-head meetings against the Cubs. When playing in Chicago, the Braves have also found success, winning two of their last three visits to Wrigley Field. Interestingly, the Braves have demonstrated resilience in night games against the Cubs following a loss, winning each of their last eight such contests. Conversely, the Cubs have struggled in their last six night games against the Braves. The total has tended to go Under in their recent encounters, with the Under hitting in six of their last eight meetings.

Pick: Chicago Cubs Moneyline

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The Chicago Cubs are the clear pick in this matchup. Their strong home record, combined with the Braves' struggles on the road, sets the stage. The pitching advantage heavily favors the Cubs with Shota Imanaga on the mound. Imanaga's consistent dominance, especially at Wrigley Field, provides a significant edge over the Braves' Joey Wentz, who has a higher ERA and WHIP. The Cubs' offense also boasts superior power and slugging percentage, and their bullpen has proven to be more reliable, as evidenced by their dramatic comeback win on Monday. All factors, including sharp money favoring Chicago, point towards a Cubs victory.

Top Player Prop Picks

Shota Imanaga Over 5.5 Strikeouts

Shota Imanaga has been a dominant force for the Cubs this season, boasting a 3.08 ERA and a remarkable 0.93 WHIP. He's been particularly effective at home, where his ERA drops to 2.96, and he's coming off a strong stretch with a 2.65 ERA over his last five starts, consistently pitching seven innings in his last three outings. While his career strikeout rate against the current Braves roster in limited plate appearances is 19%, his overall command and ability to limit baserunners suggest he can rack up strikeouts against a Braves lineup that has struggled on the road. The pitcher-friendly conditions at Wrigley Field (Park Factor 96, HR Factor 96) could also lead to more pitches thrown and opportunities for strikeouts. You can find the best odds for this prop at -120.

Michael Harris II Over 1.5 Total Bases

Despite the Atlanta Braves' overall struggles, Michael Harris II has been a standout performer, especially since the All-Star break. He's batting an impressive .335 with 11 home runs and 33 RBIs in 43 games during that span. Harris showcased his hot bat in Monday's series opener, going 2-for-5 with a double and four RBIs. His improved approach against left-handed pitching, which he will face in Imanaga, makes this prop particularly appealing. While Wrigley Field is generally considered a pitcher's park, Harris's current form and ability to hit for extra bases provide strong value for him to exceed 1.5 total bases. You can find the best odds for this prop at +120.

Joey Wentz Under 4.5 Strikeouts

Joey Wentz, the Braves' starting pitcher, enters this game with a 4.92 ERA and 1.42 WHIP. His career strikeout rate against the current Chicago Cubs roster is 17.1% in limited plate appearances. The Cubs' offense is known for its ability to put the ball in play, ranking fourth in the league for fewest strikeouts per nine innings (7.72 K/9). Given Wentz's inconsistent performance and the Cubs' disciplined approach at the plate, it's likely he will struggle to reach the five-strikeout mark in this outing. The best odds for this prop are -140.