Cubs vs. Royals: Predictions, Odds, and How to Watch July 22 Game

The Chicago Cubs are set to face the Kansas City Royals in the second game of their three-game series at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. The Cubs are heavily favored, looking to bounce back after a recent loss, while the Royals aim to continue their momentum. This matchup features a significant pitching disparity, with Matthew Boyd starting for the Cubs and Rich Hill making his season debut for the Royals.

Game Information and Odds

  • When: Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 8:05 p.m. ET
  • Where: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
  • TV: MARQ and FDSKC
Favorite Moneyline Underdog Moneyline Total Over Odds Under Odds Run Line Favorite Run Line Odds Underdog Run Line Odds
Cubs -260 +209 9 -101 -119 -1.5 -125 +105

Pitching Matchup: Boyd vs. Hill

The pitching duel presents a clear advantage for the Cubs.

  • Chicago Cubs: Matthew Boyd (10-3, 2.34 ERA)
  • Kansas City Royals: Rich Hill (2025 debut)

Betting Insights and Predictions

The Cubs are strong favorites, with a 72.2% implied chance to win based on the moneyline. They have won all seven games this season when favored by -260 or more. The Royals, conversely, have a 32.4% implied chance of winning.

  • Score Prediction: Cubs 6, Royals 2
  • Total Prediction: Under 9 runs
  • Win Probabilities: Cubs 58%, Royals 42%

Key Player Insights

Chicago Cubs:

  • Pete Crow-Armstrong: Leads the team with 26 home runs and is looking for his fifth consecutive game with a hit. He ranks sixth in home runs and ninth in RBI in MLB.
  • Seiya Suzuki: Also has 26 home runs and leads the team with 80 RBIs.
  • Nico Hoerner: Leads the team with a .285 batting average.

Kansas City Royals:

  • Bobby Witt Jr.: Batting .288 with 14 home runs and 31 walks.
  • Maikel Garcia: Leads the team with a .293 batting average.
  • Salvador Perez: Paces the Royals with 17 home runs and 60 RBIs. He is currently on a hot streak, with four home runs in his last three games.

Recent Performance

Cubs (Last 10 Games):

  • Record: 5-5
  • Runs Per Game: 3.5
  • Home Runs: 14
  • ERA: 4.66

Royals (Last 10 Games):

  • Record: 6-4
  • Runs Per Game: 5.1
  • Home Runs: 18
  • ERA: 3.64

Despite the Royals’ recent offensive surge, the significant pitching mismatch and the Cubs’ strong home record at Wrigley Field (32-18) suggest a bounce-back victory for Chicago.