Atlanta Braves @ Chicago Cubs Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/1/2025 4:05 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 -120 (Caesars)
Best Spread Odds: Chicago Cubs -1.5 (-210) (Caesars)
Best Total Odds: Over 7.5 -105 (BetMGM)

Game Info

Date: 2025-09-01
Time: 4:05 PM ET
Location: Wrigley Field
TV: FDSNSO, MARQ

Atlanta Braves @ Chicago Cubs Preview

The Atlanta Braves (62-75) head to Wrigley Field to open a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs (78-59). The Braves are coming off a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, snapping a losing streak, but have struggled recently with a 4-6 record in their last ten games. Their offense has been inconsistent, and injuries to key players like Austin Riley and Luke Williams have impacted their infield depth. The bullpen is also dealing with several arms on the injured list.

The Chicago Cubs, currently second in the NL Central and leading the NL Wild Card race, are looking to bounce back from a 6-5 loss to the Colorado Rockies. They hold a 5-5 record in their last ten games. While their offense boasts significant power, ranking 4th in slugging and 7th in home runs (186), their pitching depth is a concern with Justin Steele out for the season and a taxed bullpen.

The pitching matchup features Spencer Strider (5-12, 4.95 ERA) for the Braves against Colin Rea (10-6, 4.23 ERA) for the Cubs. Strider, despite his high strikeout numbers (105 Ks), has struggled with home runs (17 allowed) and walks (38), particularly against left-handed hitters. Rea has been steadier, though he also gives up home runs (20 allowed) and has shown vulnerability to left-handed bats (.299 average, 14 HRs in 254 ABs). The forecast at Wrigley Field indicates mild temperatures and winds around 8-10 mph, which could influence home run potential depending on direction.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Historically, the Atlanta Braves have had the upper hand in recent matchups against the Chicago Cubs, holding a 7-2 record in their last nine head-to-head meetings. They have also won their last two visits to Chicago. A notable trend in these contests is the prevalence of lower-scoring games, with the Under hitting in six of their last seven meetings. For the Cubs, they have struggled as home favorites against the Braves, losing four of their last five games in that scenario following a loss. Cubs pitcher Colin Rea has a favorable career record against the Braves, going 2-0 with a 3.60 ERA across five starts, while Braves pitcher Spencer Strider has never faced the Cubs in his career.

Pick: Chicago Cubs Moneyline

widget-odds-mlb-su-12178-ATL-CHC

The Chicago Cubs enter this contest as the favored team, and for good reason. Their 78-59 record and strong home performance (43-26) give them a significant edge over the Braves, who are limping into this series at 62-75 overall and 28-41 on the road. While Spencer Strider has shown flashes of his ace potential, his overall inconsistency this season, marked by a 4.95 ERA and struggles with walks and home runs, makes him a less reliable option compared to Colin Rea. Rea, despite a recent rough outing, has been a steady presence for the Cubs and boasts a strong 2-0 record with a 3.60 ERA in his career against Atlanta. The Cubs' powerful lineup, ranking 4th in slugging and 7th in home runs, is well-positioned to capitalize on Strider's vulnerabilities. Furthermore, sharp betting insights indicate a 52.42% sharp win percentage for the Cubs on the moneyline, suggesting smart money is backing Chicago at home.

Top Player Prop Picks

Ronald Acuna Over 1.5 Total Bases (+105)

Ronald Acuna Jr. has a strong historical matchup against Cubs pitcher Colin Rea, with 2 hits in 3 plate appearances, resulting in a .667 batting average. While this is a small sample size, it indicates his comfort against Rea. Acuna is a dynamic offensive force for the Braves, and with his ability to hit for extra bases, hitting over 1.5 total bases at +105 offers good value. He is a key component of the Braves' offense, and his performance against Rea in the past suggests he could have a productive day at the plate.

Kyle Tucker Over 0.5 Hits (-195)

Kyle Tucker has recorded a hit in his limited exposure to Braves pitcher Spencer Strider, going 1-for-3 (.333 BA) in their career matchups. Tucker is a consistent hitter for the Cubs, with 130 hits this season, including 25 doubles and 21 home runs. Despite Strider's high strikeout rate, his overall inconsistency this season, particularly with allowing hits and walks, provides opportunities for hitters like Tucker to get on base. Given Tucker's season-long performance and his past success against Strider, taking him to record at least one hit is a solid play.

Nico Hoerner Over 0.5 Hits (-230)

Nico Hoerner is a reliable contact hitter for the Chicago Cubs, having accumulated 111 hits this season. While there isn't specific career data for Hoerner against Spencer Strider, Strider's overall struggles with command and allowing base runners (1.38 WHIP) could benefit Hoerner. As a player who gets on base frequently and has 23 stolen bases this season, Hoerner's ability to put the ball in play makes him a strong candidate to record at least one hit against an inconsistent Strider. The Cubs' home-field advantage and their need to win for playoff positioning further support their key players performing well.