The Chicago Cubs are set to host the Kansas City Royals at Wrigley Field on Monday, July 21, 2025, for the opening game of a three-game interleague series. The Cubs, leading the NL Central with a 57-39 record, are favored against the Royals (47-50), who are third in the AL Central. The game promises an intriguing pitching matchup and significant betting implications.
Game Information and Odds
The highly anticipated matchup between the Cubs and Royals is scheduled for Monday, July 21, 2025, at 8:05 p.m. ET. The game will be held at the iconic Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, and will be broadcast on MLB Network, Marquee, and FDSKC.
Key betting odds for the game are as follows:
- Moneyline: Cubs -160, Royals +132
- Run Line: Cubs -1.5 (+151), Royals +1.5 (-182)
- Total Runs: Over 8 (-115), Under 8 (-105)
Pitching Matchup
The mound will feature a compelling duel between two young pitchers:
- Kansas City Royals: Noah Cameron (3-4, 2.31 ERA)
- Cameron has thrown 70 innings in his career, with 58 strikeouts and a 1.000 WHIP.
- Chicago Cubs: Cade Horton (3-3, 4.48 ERA)
- Horton has recorded 43 strikeouts in 56 innings, with a 1.423 WHIP.
Team Performance and Statistics
Chicago Cubs:
- Record: 57-39 (1st in NL Central)
- Runs Per Game: 5.33 (2nd in MLB)
- Batting Average: .256
- Home Runs: 142
- Team Slugging Percentage: .446
- Team ERA: 3.84
- Recent Form (Last 10 Games): 6-4 record, 4.2 runs per game, 3.52 ERA
Kansas City Royals:
- Record: 47-50 (3rd in AL Central)
- Runs Per Game: 3.4 (29th in MLB)
- Batting Average: .245
- Home Runs: 73
- Team Slugging Percentage: .374
- Team ERA: 3.49 (2nd in MLB)
- Recent Form (Last 10 Games): 6-4 record, 4.3 runs per game, 3.23 ERA
Key Players to Watch
Chicago Cubs:
- Pete Crow-Armstrong: Leads the team with 26 home runs.
- Seiya Suzuki: Leads the Cubs in home runs (26) and RBIs (80).
- Nico Hoerner: Leads the team with a .288 batting average.
- Kyle Tucker: Hitting .279 with 18 home runs and 62 walks.
Kansas City Royals:
- Bobby Witt Jr.: Batting .289 with 14 home runs and 33 doubles.
- Maikel Garcia: Club-leading .292 batting average.
- Vinnie Pasquantino: 15 home runs and 57 RBIs.
- Salvador Perez: Team-high 15 home runs.
Expert Predictions
- Score Prediction: Cubs 5, Royals 3
- Total Prediction: Over 8 runs
- Win Probabilities: Cubs 66%, Royals 34%
- Recommended Bets:
- Kansas City Moneyline (+132) – Doc’s Sports
- Royals +1.5 Run Line – Stats Insider
- Under 8 Total Runs – Stats Insider
Key Takeaways
- The Cubs enter as favorites, boasting a strong offense and home-field advantage at Wrigley Field.
- Both teams feature young starting pitchers, Noah Cameron for the Royals and Cade Horton for the Cubs.
- The Cubs have a significant edge in offensive production, particularly with runners in scoring position.
- Despite the Cubs being favored, some experts suggest betting on the Royals to cover the run line or even win outright due to favorable odds.
- The total runs are set at 8, with predictions leaning towards the over, though some models suggest the under.
Sources
- Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago Cubs – July 21, 2025, FOX Sports.
- Cubs vs. Royals Prediction, Odds, Picks – July 21, FOX Sports.
- Royals vs Cubs Prediction and Picks for July 21 2025, StatSalt.
- Cubs vs Royals Prediction and MLB Tips, Stats Insider.