Offseason Upgrades Transform Chicago Cubs’ 2025 Outlook
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
The Chicago Cubs enter the 2025 MLB season as the NL Central betting favorites at +100, but that status doesn’t come without questions. With a projected win total hovering near 85.5, and key lineup changes from a year ago, the Cubs have both upside and volatility. Let’s explore their chances from a betting and fantasy perspective.
Cubs Rotation: Strength at the Top, Depth to Watch
Pitching might be the biggest reason to believe in Chicago’s division title odds.
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Shota Imanaga & Justin Steele = Legit 1-2 Punch
Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele are top-tier strikeout artists, especially valuable early in the year when the cold Wrigley Field air and wind blowing in suppress offense. Look for K-prop value, particularly at home in April and May. -
Middle Rotation: Underrated Efficiency
Veterans like Colin Rea and Matthew Boyd round out the staff. While not dominant, both have shown they can produce ERAs in the low-3s and high-2s. That’s more than enough for a team with defensive efficiency and bullpen stability.
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Betting Angle: Unders Early, Overs Late
Early in the season, cold-weather games at Wrigley often trend toward the under. But if the Cubs stay in the race and young bats heat up, late-season overs and win total value could emerge.
Ranking the AL Central Starting Rotations for the 2025 MLB Season
Cubs Lineup: Solid Floor, Waiting on Upside
Chicago’s lineup lacks the pop of elite offenses but could evolve throughout the season.
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Kyle Tucker Replaces Bellinger
Adding Kyle Tucker (23 HR, .289 BA in 2024) is a smart upgrade. While Cody Bellinger was streaky, Tucker brings consistency and solidifies the heart of the order alongside Ian Happ, Dansby Swanson, and Seiya Suzuki. -
Youth Movement Could Tip the Scales
Prospects like Matt Shaw and Pete Crow-Armstrong are the wild cards. If even one breaks out midseason, Chicago’s offense could shift from average to above-average fast. Shaw, especially, has impressed scouts with his contact-heavy approach and growing power. -
Depth and Contact Hitters
Swanson and Nico Hoerner add glove-first value and situational hitting, but this team still lacks a true slugger beyond Tucker. That may cap their offensive ceiling until the prospects arrive.
Betting Angle: Live Bet Offensive Trends
This offense may take time to gel. Watch for second-half value on overs and run lines once the young bats get regular playing time.
Fantasy & Prop Betting Insights
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Shota Imanaga: Strikeout Prop Target
Expect big strikeout numbers early in cold conditions, especially at home. -
Matt Shaw & Pete Crow-Armstrong: Watch List Adds
Both prospects are draft-and-hold or waiver-wire targets. If either is called up early, jump quickly. -
Kyle Tucker: Reliable Top-50 Fantasy Bat
He may not have elite power, but he’s a safe 5-category contributor in standard leagues.
Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals: Exciting AL Central Opener
Final Verdict: Cubs Have the Tools to Win the NL Central—If the Kids Click
Pick: Cubs to Win the Division (+100)
Lean: Over 85.5 Wins
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Frontline pitching is legit
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Offense has a stable floor and breakout upside
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Weak division gives them a clean path
The Cubs may not blow anyone away with their offense in April, but if the prospects develop and the rotation stays healthy, Chicago should cash division bets and flirt with 88–90 wins. They’re built for consistency, with upside in the second half.
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