Chicago Cubs vs New York Mets Picks and Prediction for Tuesday June 23 2026

The Chicago Cubs and New York Mets meet on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Citi Field in Queens, New York. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM, and the game will be televised on MLB.TV. At the time of this writing the odds were not released. Chicago enters the matchup with a 40-37 record, while New York comes in at 34-43. ESPN's Matchup Predictor gives the Mets a 59.7 percent chance to win compared to 40.3 percent for the Cubs. Be sure to check out our free MLB picks.

Starting Pitchers Take the Spotlight

The Cubs are expected to start Edward Cabrera in this matchup. The right-hander enters with a 4-4 record, a 5.21 ERA, and a 1.40 WHIP across 67.1 innings. He has allowed 69 hits while striking out 61 batters, walking 25, and surrendering 14 home runs. The Mets are expected to counter with Nolan McLean. The right-hander owns a 4-4 record with a 3.67 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP over 83.1 innings. He has allowed 59 hits while recording 97 strikeouts, issuing 32 walks, and giving up eight home runs.

Chicago Attempts to Stay Above .500

The Cubs enter Tuesday's game with a 40-37 overall record and a 17-20 mark on the road. Chicago has won three of its last five games and recently earned victories over Toronto and Colorado. The Cubs also picked up another win against Colorado during that stretch. Their two losses came against Toronto and Colorado.

Chicago has produced a .244 batting average with 366 runs scored, 639 hits, and 90 home runs. The Cubs own a .337 on-base percentage and a .401 slugging percentage. On the mound, Chicago carries a 4.28 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP while holding opponents to a .240 batting average. The pitching staff has recorded 602 strikeouts and issued 231 walks.

One of Chicago's strengths is its ability to reach base consistently. The Cubs own a .337 on-base percentage, which is significantly better than New York's mark. They also hold advantages in batting average, runs scored, hits, home runs, and slugging percentage, giving them a stronger offensive profile entering this matchup.

New York Returns Home Looking for Answers

The Mets come into this contest with a 34-43 overall record and an 18-18 mark at home. New York has gone 2-3 over its last five games. The Mets recently won over Cincinnati and Philadelphia, but they also suffered two losses to Philadelphia and another defeat against Cincinnati during that stretch.

New York has posted a .232 batting average with 311 runs scored, 598 hits, and 82 home runs. The Mets carry a .297 on-base percentage and a .372 slugging percentage. Their pitching staff owns a 4.09 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP while limiting opponents to a .234 batting average. The staff has accumulated 695 strikeouts and issued 273 walks.

The biggest strength for New York is its pitching staff. The Mets have a lower ERA than Chicago and have done a better job limiting opposing hitters, as reflected by their .234 opponent batting average. They also have a substantial strikeout total, which has helped keep them competitive despite offensive struggles.

Chicago Cubs vs New York Mets Picks and Prediction

Chicago Cubs vs New York Mets Pick

• Pick: New York Mets Moneyline

Despite owning the worse overall record, New York enters with a sizable advantage in the matchup predictor and a significant edge in the starting pitching matchup based on the provided numbers. The Mets also have the lower ERA and the higher strikeout total as a team. While Chicago has been stronger offensively, New York's pitching profile gives the Mets the edge in this matchup.

Chicago Cubs vs New York Mets Total Pick

• Pick: Take the under if the total is set at 8.5

I would lean toward the under in this game. New York owns a 4.09 team ERA and the stronger starting pitcher based on the provided statistics. The Mets have also held opponents to a .234 batting average this season. While Chicago has solid offensive numbers, the pitching data points toward a game that could remain below a typical total.

Final Score Prediction: New York Mets 4 – Chicago Cubs 3

This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Monday.