MLB – FREE PLAY: Padres (943) vs. Cubs (944)

Joe D’Amico’s TUESDAY FREE MLB WINNER

(943) San Diego Padres vs. (944) Chicago Cubs

In my opinion, the Padres/Cubs series is the toughest to handicap in this Wild Card round. It’s true, the Padres road record of 38-43, isn’t anywhere near as impressive as the Cubs home record of 50-31, and these two teams did split out six meetings in 2025. But, (and there’s always a but), but the Padres enter this matchup winning seven of their last eight, while the Cubs have dropped six of their last 10, and in the head-to-head matchup, San Diego did win three of the last four meetings. Overall, the Chicago offense does account for more scoring, but the San Diego pitching staff has some better numbers. Speaking of which, today’s starters are scheduled to be Nick Pivetta and Matthew Boyd. The Padres right-hander is a very respectful 13-5 with a 2.87 ERA on the campaign. He does not have too much postseason experience, and in six career appearances, which includes five starts against today’s opponent, he is 2-2 with a 3.96 ERA. The Cubs left-hander is 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA in 2025. He has had four previous playoff appearances, and three starts with the Guardians a season ago. This season, in 31 starts he has tallied over 154 K’ in 179 2/3 innings pitched. This season was his first time facing today’s opponent, and he is a respectable 1-1 with a 1.59 ERA against them. Without question San Diego comes in here a little hotter. But they are not the greatest road team, and I do feel Chicago has a little bit stronger of a starter on the mound. So, I give the Cubs a small edge in this Game 1 matchup. Take Chicago. Thank you.

Picks: Chicago Cubs -120