Now Reading

Chicago Cubs at New York Mets Preview and Pick

by Ryan BurksJune 16, 2021

The Chicago Cubs and New York Mets will continue their four-game series on Wednesday night, and the home team is loving this matchup. New York has won the first two games of the series, and they are big favorites to win a third straight on Wednesday night.

Chicago came into this series having won five straight games, but they are running into a hot team in the Mets. The Cubs are still atop the NL Central Division standings, but this could be a four-team race by the end of the season.

The Mets are now 34-25 on the year, and they are still leading the National League East. That division was supposed to be dominated by the Atlanta Braves this season, but New York just continues to find ways to win.

The pitching matchup on Wednesday night might be one of the most lopsided of the season.

Cubs at Mets Preview and Pick: Injury Bug Biting Cubs Hard

The Cubs already have 10 players currently on the injured list, and several other starters are banged up. Former MVP Kris Bryant was hit by a pitch on the wrist Tuesday night, and he will probably be forced to miss this game.

Chicago is fifth in the National League in runs per game this season, and few teams have been better than them since May. The Cubs have scored just four total runs in this series, and all of them have come via the home run.

There is big strikeout potential for a number of Cubs hitters, and that is something that DeGrom does better than anyone. Javier Baez did hit a two-run homer on Tuesday, and the Cubs could use some long balls in this game.

Robert Stock will be called up from AAA-Iowa to make the start on Wednesday, and he is facing a red-hot team. The Cubs do have a dominant bullpen, but they might be tasked with six innings in this one.

Cubs at Mets Preview and Pick: DeGrom Dominating on Mound

Jacob DeGrom has put up ridiculous numbers so far in 2021, and he appears to keep getting better each time out. He is currently 6-2 with a 0.56 ERA, and he has pitched well enough to win every game he has started.

First baseman Pete Alonso has missed time this season, but he looks like he is starting to heat up. Alonso had three RBIs in the win on Tuesday night, and that was all of the offense for the Mets.

New York is near the bottom of the league in most offensive categories, but they won’t need to do a ton of damage in this game. Getting at least two runs might be enough for their ace to pitch them to another win.

Cubs at Mets Preview and Pick: Mets Beat Cubs Again

Even at full strength, the Cubs’ offense would not be much of a threat to beat Jacob DeGrom. He simply doesn’t give up any runs, and he will be facing a number of Cubs hitters for the first time.

New York doesn’t always do a great job of scoring runs for their ace, but they are facing a young pitcher in this game. Chicago will have to go deep into their bullpen on Wednesday, and that unit has to be running out of gas.

The best bet for this game is taking the under, but you should also bet heavily on the Mets as well. It’s hard to see the Cubs doing much of anything at the plate, but there is a chance that they run into a fastball for a home run.

DeGrom will dominate this game, and he will have at least 10 strikeouts in doing so. This game won’t be close.