Oakland Athletics at Chicago Cubs Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/16/2024 7:40 PM EST

We have your Oakland Athletics at Chicago Cubs prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Oakland Athletics hit the road to face the Chicago Cubs.

Oakland Athletics at Chicago Cubs Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Oakland Athletics +165 (ESPN BET) / Chicago Cubs -188 (FanDuel)
Best Spread Odds: -1.5 - Oakland Athletics -128 (FanDuel) / Chicago Cubs +115 (ESPN BET)
Best Total Odds: 8.0 - Under -115 (BetMGM) / 7.5 - Over -115 (ESPN BET)

Game Info

Date: 9/16/2024
Time: 7:40 PM EST
Location: Wrigley Field (Chicago, Illinois)
TV: MLB.TV

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the Chicago Cubs and the Oakland Athletics have faced each other in three games, all of which took place in April 2023. The Cubs emerged victorious in all three encounters, consistently outperforming the Athletics. Each game saw the visiting team, the Cubs, secure a win, leaving the home team, the Athletics, without a victory. In terms of betting outcomes, the Cubs covered the spread in all three games, while the Athletics failed to do so. The games resulted in the total score going over the set line twice and under once, indicating a tendency for higher-scoring games in this matchup.

The most recent game between these two teams occurred on April 19, 2023, with the Cubs defeating the Athletics 12-2. The Cubs were the favorites with a moneyline of -175 and a point spread of +105, which they covered comfortably. The game saw the Cubs amass 11 hits and 12 runs, while the Athletics managed only 5 hits and 2 runs. The Cubs' pitching was notably effective, allowing only one earned run, resulting in an earned run average of 1.00. Key moments included a strong 6th inning for the Cubs, where they scored four runs, and a decisive 9th inning, adding five more runs to their tally. The Athletics struggled both offensively and defensively, with a high earned run average of 12.00.

In the two other games played on April 17 and April 18, 2023, the Cubs continued their dominance over the Athletics. On April 17, the Cubs won 10-1, with a significant 20 hits, including two home runs, while the Athletics managed only 8 hits and a single run. The Cubs were favorites with a moneyline of -139 and covered the spread with ease. The following day, April 18, saw the Cubs win 4-0, with the game going under the total score line. The Cubs, again favorites with a moneyline of -175, secured the win with 8 hits, while the Athletics were limited to just 2 hits. Throughout these games, the Cubs demonstrated superior batting and pitching, consistently outperforming the Athletics in all aspects.

Oakland Athletics at Chicago Cubs Preview

The Chicago Cubs are set to host the Oakland Athletics at Wrigley Field in what promises to be an intriguing matchup. The Cubs, currently holding a 76-73 record, are looking to build on their recent success after a convincing 6-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies. In that game, Kyle Hendricks delivered a stellar performance on the mound, allowing just one earned run over six innings, while Michael Busch powered the offense with two home runs and three RBIs. This win has bolstered the Cubs' confidence as they aim to continue their push towards a potential postseason berth.

On the other hand, the Oakland Athletics, with a 65-85 record, are coming off a narrow 4-3 loss to the Chicago White Sox. Despite the defeat, the Athletics showcased some offensive firepower with Brent Rooker hitting his 37th home run of the season. However, the team struggled to capitalize on opportunities, a recurring theme in their recent outings. The Athletics will be looking to bounce back and end their current skid as they face a formidable Cubs lineup.

Pitching will be a key factor in this contest, with Shota Imanaga taking the mound for the Cubs. Imanaga has been impressive this season, boasting a 13-3 record, and will be looking to maintain his form against an Athletics lineup that has shown flashes of brilliance but lacks consistency. For the Athletics, Joey Estes will be tasked with containing the Cubs' potent offense. Estes, with a 7-7 record, will need to bring his best to keep the Athletics competitive in this matchup.

Historically, the Cubs have had the upper hand in recent encounters with the Athletics, having swept them in a three-game series back in April 2023. The Cubs' dominance in those games was evident, with their pitching and batting both outperforming the Athletics. As the two teams prepare to face off again, the Cubs will be looking to replicate their past success, while the Athletics aim to turn the tide and secure a much-needed victory.

Oakland Athletics at Chicago Cubs Pick: Chicago Cubs Moneyline

The Chicago Cubs are poised to continue their dominance over the Oakland Athletics as they face off at Wrigley Field. The Cubs, with a solid 76-73 record, have shown resilience and strength, particularly in their recent 6-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies. This win was marked by a stellar performance from Kyle Hendricks, who allowed just one earned run over six innings, and an offensive showcase by Michael Busch, who hit two home runs and drove in three RBIs. This momentum is crucial as the Cubs aim to secure a postseason berth.

In contrast, the Athletics are struggling with a 65-85 record, coming off a narrow 4-3 loss to the Chicago White Sox. Despite Brent Rooker's impressive 37th home run of the season, the Athletics have been unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities, a recurring issue that has plagued them throughout the season. Their inconsistency is a significant concern as they prepare to face a Cubs team that has historically outperformed them.

Pitching will be a decisive factor in this matchup. The Cubs' Shota Imanaga, boasting an impressive 13-3 record, has been a reliable force on the mound. His ability to maintain form against an Athletics lineup that has struggled with consistency will be pivotal. On the other hand, Joey Estes of the Athletics, with a 7-7 record, faces the daunting task of containing a potent Cubs offense. Given the Cubs' recent success and their historical dominance over the Athletics, including a sweep in their last series in April 2023, the Cubs are well-positioned to secure another victory.

Considering these factors, the Chicago Cubs are the clear favorites to win this matchup. Their recent form, combined with their superior pitching and batting capabilities, makes them the logical choice for the moneyline pick. The Cubs' ability to capitalize on the Athletics' weaknesses further solidifies their position as the team to back in this encounter.

Oakland Athletics at Chicago Cubs Top Player Prop Picks

Joey Estes Under 4.5 Strikeouts -130 (bet365)

Joey Estes faces a challenging task against a Chicago Cubs lineup that has been performing well offensively. The Cubs recently showcased their batting prowess in a 6-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies, with Michael Busch leading the charge with two home runs. Given the Cubs' ability to make contact and their recent form, Estes may struggle to reach the 4.5 strikeout mark. Additionally, the Cubs' lineup has been effective in avoiding strikeouts, ranking 13th in the majors with 8.6 strikeouts per nine innings. This trend suggests that Estes might find it difficult to accumulate strikeouts, making the under a favorable pick.

Shota Imanaga Over 6.5 Strikeouts -104 (FanDuel)

Shota Imanaga has been a reliable force on the mound for the Cubs, boasting an impressive 13-3 record this season. His ability to dominate opposing lineups is well-documented, and he faces an Oakland Athletics team that has struggled with consistency. The Athletics' lineup, while showing flashes of brilliance, has been prone to strikeouts, which plays into Imanaga's strengths. Given his track record and the Athletics' offensive struggles, Imanaga is well-positioned to surpass the 6.5 strikeout line, making the over a strong proposition.

Brent Rooker Over 0.5 Hits -130 (bet365)

Brent Rooker has been a bright spot in the Athletics' lineup, consistently delivering at the plate. He recently hit his 37th home run of the season, demonstrating his ability to make impactful contact. Despite the Athletics' overall struggles, Rooker's individual performance has been noteworthy, and he remains a key offensive threat. With the Cubs' pitching staff allowing a .234 batting average, Rooker has a favorable opportunity to record at least one hit in this matchup. His consistent form and the Cubs' pitching tendencies make the over on 0.5 hits a compelling choice.