Cubs at Brewers Predictions, Odds and Betting Picks
Jesse M. Cox Published 26/06/2026
The Milwaukee Brewers return home looking to build on their lead in the NL Central, and they enter Friday night's matchup with a clear advantage on the mound. Jacob Misiorowski has been one of baseball's best starters this season, while the Cubs turn to Colin Rea, who owns a 4.99 ERA entering the series opener. Milwaukee has also been one of the league's best all-around teams, ranking near the top of MLB in both team ERA and runs scored. That balanced performance gives the Brewers multiple ways to control this divisional matchup.
DraftKings lists Milwaukee as a -145 favorite, with Chicago coming back at +125 and the total sitting at eight runs. The pitching matchup gives the Brewers the edge, making them the strongest play on the board. Chicago's lineup has enough power to stay competitive, but facing one of baseball's hottest pitchers on the road is a difficult challenge. Friday's opener sets up as a key test between two NL Central rivals with Milwaukee holding the early advantage.
Cubs vs Brewers Game Preview
Chicago enters Friday with a 43-37 record after averaging 4.9 runs per game this season. The Cubs have produced 95 home runs and 129 doubles while posting a 0.244 team batting average and a 0.338 on-base percentage. Their offense has remained productive, but the pitching staff has struggled to match that consistency.
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs | Full Game Highlights | ESPN MLB
The Cubs own a 4.30 team ERA and have converted only 11 saves while blowing 12 opportunities. Their bullpen has also recorded just 28 holds, one of the lowest totals in baseball, creating added pressure whenever the starting pitcher exits early.
Milwaukee has been one of the league's most complete teams, carrying a 49-29 record into this divisional matchup. The Brewers average 5.22 runs per game, rank near the top of MLB with a 3.38 team ERA, and have allowed only 73 home runs all season. Misiorowski gets the start after putting together an outstanding 8-3 campaign with a sparkling 1.45 ERA.
Moneyline Pick
Take the Brewers on the moneyline. Misiorowski has dominated opposing hitters throughout the season, and his 1.45 ERA speaks for itself. The right-hander has consistently limited hard contact while giving Milwaukee a reliable chance to win every time he takes the mound.
Chicago's offense is capable of putting runs on the board, but Rea has struggled with consistency this season. His 4.99 ERA is a significant disadvantage against a Brewers lineup that ranks third in MLB with 407 runs scored and owns a 0.254 team batting average.
Pick: Brewers ML (-145 at DraftKings).
Run Line Pick
Take the Brewers -1.5. Milwaukee has the better starting pitcher, the stronger bullpen, and one of baseball's most balanced lineups. The Brewers have also surrendered just 284 runs all season, while Chicago has blown nearly half of its save chances. Milwaukee has consistently taken advantage of favorable pitching matchups, and this game sets up well for another comfortable victory at home. That combination makes Milwaukee a solid choice to win by multiple runs.
Pick: Brewers -1.5 (Odds available at DraftKings).
Best Player Prop
- Jacob Misiorowski Over 6.5 Strikeouts (Odds at DraftKings). Misiorowski has been one of the league's top strikeout pitchers and enters the game with an 8-3 record and a 1.45 ERA. Chicago has struck out 670 times this season, giving the Brewers' right-hander another favorable matchup.
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Game Total Pick
Take the Under 8. Misiorowski has controlled opposing lineups all season, while Milwaukee's pitching staff owns a 3.38 ERA and a 1.183 WHIP, both among the best marks in baseball. Even if the Brewers produce offensively, their pitching should keep Chicago from putting together a high-scoring night.
The Cubs have enough power to threaten, but Milwaukee's bullpen has backed its starters well throughout the season. Unless Rea struggles early, this game projects as a lower-scoring divisional matchup.
Pick: Under 8 (-110 at DraftKings).
Best Trades for Cubs vs Brewers
Prediction markets also favor Milwaukee entering Friday's matchup. Traders continue backing the Brewers thanks to the starting pitching advantage and their strong play throughout the season.
- Game Winner: YES on Milwaukee at 71¢ on Polymarket. Misiorowski's dominance and Milwaukee's balanced roster support the market favorite.
- Run Line: YES on Brewers -1.5 at 55¢ on Polymarket. Milwaukee has multiple advantages on both the mound and in the bullpen.
- Total Runs Under 7.5: YES at 52¢ on Polymarket. Strong pitching gives this outcome a slight edge according to current market pricing.
How to Watch Chicago Cubs vs Milwaukee Brewers and Game Info
- Location: American Family Field, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Date: Friday, June 26, 2026
- First Pitch: 7:45 p.m. ET
- TV: Brewers.TV
- Chicago Cubs Starting Pitcher: Colin Rea (5-5, 4.99 ERA).
- Milwaukee Brewers Starting Pitcher: Jacob Misiorowski (8-3, 1.45 ERA).
- Weather Forecast: TBA
Final Takeaways
Milwaukee heads into this matchup with the edge in both the starting pitching matchup and the bullpen. Misiorowski has developed into one of baseball's toughest starters, while the Brewers continue to receive consistent production throughout their lineup. Chicago has enough offense to stay competitive, but Milwaukee's pitching depth makes the home team the stronger choice. Back the Brewers on the moneyline, consider the run line for added value, and look toward the Under in what projects to be a pitching-driven game.
Check the latest odds and line movement for Chicago Cubs vs Milwaukee Brewers at betting.net before placing your bets. All odds as of 12:00 p.m. ET on June 26. Odds sourced from DraftKings.