Free MLB Pick: Padres vs. Cubs Odds
Looking for NL Wildcard Game 2 San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs Free MLB predictions? MLB betting sees the Padres taking on the Cubs on 10/1 at Wrigley Field, in Chicago. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all MLB baseball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily MLB predictions like this Padres Cubs free pick.
2025 MLB Handicapping – San Diego Padres vs Chicago Cubs
(0-1) San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs (1-0)
NL Wildcard Game 2
Date: Oct 01, 2025
Time: 3:08 PM ET
Venue: Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL
Projected Starting Pitchers: Dylan Cease vs. Andrew Kittredge
MLB Moneyline Odds: Padres -105 | Cubs -114 (Bet Now!)
Today’s MLB Run Line Betting Odds: Padres -1.5 | Cubs +1.5
MLB Baseball Gambling Total: O/U: 6.5
- Live Betting Odds for today’s Padres vs. Cubs game!
- Want more baseball predictions like this Padres Cubs play? Check out our free MLB AI Picks for today!
- View our Updated Sportsbook Bonuses for today!
Padres vs. Cubs Gameday
Game 2 of the NL Wildcard brings the San Diego Padres back to Wrigley Field staring down elimination. After dropping Game 1 by a 3-1 score, Mike Shildt’s club has no room for error. The Cubs, meanwhile, are riding high after Craig Counsell’s group took control of the series with strong pitching and timely hitting.
Chicago’s 50-31 home record during the regular season has carried right into October. The crowd at Wrigley was loud last night, and they’ll be ready again with the Cubs one win away from punching their ticket to the NLDS. The Padres, who stumbled to a 38-43 road record during the regular season, need their big bats to finally break through.
Both clubs had moments down the stretch — San Diego ripped three straight off Arizona, while Chicago closed hot with wins over the rival Cardinals. But in Game 1, the Cubs executed better, keeping Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. quiet. If the Padres don’t wake up fast, this series could be over tonight.
Expert MLB Betting Picks
Are you all ready to make some good money today! Bookmark Cappers Major League Baseball Picks today, keep checking back for your weekly predictions, and MLB free picks. If you can, help support our site and click on 1 or 2 of the online sportsbook banners you see around our handicapping website. In fact, it’ll help us pay the bills, plus, we're hoping it will give you some good karma to help you beat your bookie!
2025 MLB Baseball Handicapping
If you’re looking for guidance and winning picks in MLB, Cappers Picks is your go-to source. Whether you prefer betting on moneylines, or MLB runlines, or Over/Unders, we’ve got you covered with our MLB handicapping advice.Be sure to check out our free Major League Baseball selections and daily MLB predictions over at CappersPicks.com. Our expert MLB analysts provide top choices and the best baseball bets for the week ahead.
Keep a close watch on ‘Razor’ Ray Monohan; he’s currently on an impressive winning streak!
Don’t miss out on his fantastic offers, like the $59 1-Day Pass or the $99 3-Day Pass – they both offer incredible value for your betting needs.
San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs Odds & Last 5
Oddsmakers see another tight contest. The Padres are -104 on the moneyline, while the Cubs are -114 at home. The runline sits at Cubs -1.5 (+178) and Padres +1.5 (-214). The total is just 7 runs, shaded slightly toward the over.
The Padres have won four of their last five overall, but the only one that mattered lately was last night — and they lost it. The Cubs have been sharp too, winning four of five including the Wildcard opener. San Diego may have owned a 3-2 edge in the regular-season series, but postseason momentum is firmly on Chicago’s side.
Cubs Stats
Chicago’s offense has been balanced and efficient. They posted a .249 batting average (8th) with a .320 OBP (6th) and .430 slugging (5th). Their 223 homers ranked 6th, and their speed was a factor all year with 161 steals, third in the league.
On the mound, the Cubs finished the season with a 3.81 ERA (9th) and a .238 batting average against (9th). The rotation produced 61 quality starts, while the bullpen locked down late innings. The one flaw? Too many home runs allowed (202, 21st), though that didn’t bite them in Game 1.
Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch have carried the lineup in recent weeks, and both came through in the Wildcard opener. If they stay hot, Wrigley might be celebrating a sweep.
YOU CAN CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT OUR TOP MLB CAPPERS! (All Under 1 Roof)
Padres Stats
The Padres’ strength has been contact hitting. They posted a .252 average (5th) with a .318 OBP (8th), though their slugging was just .390 (17th). Manny Machado hit .275 with 27 HR and 95 RBIs, while Luis Arraez (.292) and Ryan O’Hearn (.281, 17 HR) provide support.
Pitching has been elite on paper — a 3.64 ERA (3rd) and opponents held to a .225 average, best in MLB. But postseason baseball is different, and the Padres’ staff couldn’t outduel the Cubs in Game 1.
They’ve won four of their last five overall, but the bats need to come alive tonight. Last week’s 12-4 blowout of Arizona showed what this lineup can do. If they don’t replicate that urgency, they’ll be heading home for the winter.
We want to hear from you below! Comments are welcome! Give us your picks for this San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs MLB playoff matchup.
Padres vs. Cubs Pitching Matchup
San Diego turns to Dylan Cease in an elimination spot. His 8-12 record and 4.55 ERA tell the story of an inconsistent season. He has swing-and-miss stuff (strikeouts piled up all year), but too many baserunners (1.33 WHIP) have cost him. The Padres need the best version of Cease to have a chance.
The Cubs counter with Andrew Kittredge, who brings a 3.40 ERA and 0.98 WHIP. He’s been steady and efficient, rarely giving away free passes. Counsell knows he doesn’t need dominance, just enough innings to get to his bullpen with a lead.
It’s volatility versus stability. Cease could blow the game open either way — racking up Ks or giving up crooked numbers. Kittredge has been quietly solid all year.
If the Padres can’t rattle him early, the Cubs are in prime position to close this series out tonight at Wrigley.
San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs Baseball Betting Trends
- The Cubs have won four of their last five games straight-up, indicating a strong finish to their season.
- In their last five games, the Cubs have covered the run line in four instances, demonstrating their ability to win by a comfortable margin.
- The total has gone over in three of the Cubs’ last five games, suggesting high-scoring outcomes.
- Also, the Padres have won five of their last six games straight-up, showing consistent performance.
- In their recent games, the Padres have covered the run line in four of the last six games, reflecting their competitive edge.
- Additionally, the total has gone over in four of the Padres’ last six games, indicating games with plenty of runs.
NL Wildcard Game 2 Padres vs Cubs Prediction: Over 6.5
The Cubs enter this matchup red-hot, winning four of their last five games while cashing the run line in that same stretch. Their offense has been clicking too, with three of those contests flying over the posted total.
Meanwhile, the Padres are in fine form themselves, winning five of their last six while also covering the run line in four of those victories. Notably, four of their last six have gone over the total, highlighting their role in producing high-scoring affairs.
When both clubs are trending toward overs, the 6.5 total feels like a bargain.
Chicago’s consistent run production paired with San Diego’s recent scoring surge creates the perfect recipe for fireworks at Wrigley. Neither lineup looks like it’s slowing down, and the pitching matchup won’t be enough to keep bats quiet.
All told, with momentum on both sides and both trends pointing in the same direction, the best bet here is the over 6.5. This game sets up well for runs to pile up quickly.
Today’s MLB Free Pick
Best Sportsbooks For San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs MLB Gambling Today!
- VIP Program
- Mobile Betting
- Crypto
- Early Lines
- High Limits
- NEW VIP Rewards
- VIP Program
- Crypto
- Live & Mobile Betting!
- Crypto
- Live & Mobile Betting
- 48 Hour Payouts
- 35% Crypto Bonus
- Live Betting
- Mobile Friendly
MLB Betting Tweet Of The Day
Chicago doesn’t come to play, we come to fight. pic.twitter.com/6ROnYPqjqz
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 30, 2025
Also, if you’re looking for more MLB picks like San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs matchup, we’ll be providing 4* free MLB plays on the blog all season long. In fact, you can check out our MLB experts for guaranteed premium & free MLB baseball picks!
Lastly, register here for a FREE MLB Betting Account Now for daily free picks & more special offers!
